In Nespelem, Murray Meets with the Confederated Colville Tribes to Discuss Wildfire Recovery Support

Murray : “There is not a single dollar I won’t pursue if it means helping communities across the state recover and rebuild from these devastating fires.” ***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE *** Nespelem, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, met with the Confederated Colville Tribes to hear their concerns following wildfire season and discuss next steps of recovery after the August wildfires that devastated the Colville Reservation. Senator Murray visited Nespelem saw areas where a private owner has worked to thin the forest on their property in ways consistent with tribal work and efforts to mitigate wildfire risks and joined a roundtable with the Colville Business Council to learn more about what the community needs to recover and mitigate wildfires. On the Colville Reservation, the Kaiser Canyon Fire burned approximately 138,293 acres and the Modrite Fire burned around 57,594 acres. Combined, these fires devastated nearly 200,000 acres , impacting forest, grassland, residential areas, along with sacred and culturally significant tribal sites. The fires caused extensive damage to tribal infrastructure, 150 cultural sites, and at least 33 homes were destroyed. The fires caused smoke damage to tribally owned facilities, including critical infrastructure such as the Lucy Covington Government Center, healthcare facilities, and community centers. Large portions of forested land and natural habitats were destroyed, severely affecting local wildlife populations, including endangered species such as the Sharp-tailed grouse. The Kaiser and Modrite Fires also setback the Colville Tribes’ forestry program, a major source of revenue and jobs for the Colville Tribe. “I know this has been a terrible wildfire season for you and the devastation and loss this community has faced is heartbreaking. This community has endured the unthinkable—and as you rebuild, I want everyone in this room to know that I am with you every step of the way,” Senator Murray said. “I know this recovery will be long—but I want you to know that I’m here with you for the long haul. I will fight to ensure the Colville Tribes have the resources necessary to rebuild and be prepared to respond to wildfires in the future. I know that the Colville’s recovery will not be measured in days or weeks—it will be measured in months and years. I am here to support you no matter how long it takes. There is not a single dollar I won’t pursue if it means helping communities across the state recover and rebuild from these devastating fires.” “This past summer was an especially bad fire season on the Colville Reservation. The best way to feel the impact of a severe fire event is to come and walk through the ashes with your own feet,” said Cindy Marchand, the Chairwoman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. “Senator Murray’s visit to the Colville Reservation today to view the fire damage displays her care for the citizens of this community and her commitment to assisting our recovery. This comes as no surprise since Senator Murray has been a good long-term partner with the Colville Tribes on many issues. The Colville Tribes welcomes continued collaboration with the Senator as we both strive to make the Colville Reservation and the State of Washington better places to live for all citizens.” Supporting investments in wildfire prevention and response continues to be a top priority for Senator Murray, particularly as she negotiates this year’s government funding bills. Murray has been outspoken against the Trump administration’s efforts undermine much of the federal workforce that supports wildfire prevention and response work year-round. As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, in the Interior and Environment appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026, which Senator Murray negotiated and helped pass into law, Murray worked to include essential investments in wildfire preparedness and suppression. In FY26, she secured $6.13 billion for the U.S. Forest Service, with separate additional funding for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve. The bill rejected the steep $1.4 billion cut to the Forest Service’s non-fire budget proposed by President Trump and provides funding for the Forest Service to improve forest restoration and fire risk reduction efforts on federal lands. The FY26 bill also fully funds essential wildfire preparedness and suppression efforts by providing $4.25 billion for wildfire suppression, of which $2.85 billion is for the Wildfire Suppression Operations Reserve Fund and continues to support the increased pay for federal firefighters enacted into law last year. Senator Murray continues to push back against Trump’s FY27 budget request , to protect our public lands. ###