BOTHELL, WA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized federal funds to assist in combating the Lower Sugarloaf Fire burning in Chelan County.

The authorization, granted in the early hours of Friday, September 26, by FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich, came in response to Washington state’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). The decision was made after the fire was deemed capable of causing destruction severe enough to constitute a major disaster.

At the time of the request, the wildfire was threatening homes near Cashmere and Wenatchee, as well as critical infrastructure including microwave and radio communication sites, power transmission lines, a substation, and nearby agricultural resources.

The FMAG program provides federal funding to cover up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. Covered expenses may include equipment use, field camps, materials, supplies, and mobilization and demobilization activities. However, these funds are not available for individual home or business recovery, nor do they cover damage to other infrastructure caused by the fire.

This marks the second FMAG declaration in Washington in 2025 to support wildfire suppression efforts.

FEMA urged residents to stay informed through its Region 10 social media channels and its website, emphasizing its mission of assisting people before, during, and after disasters.