Governor set to visit Colville Reservation today

Gov. Jay Inslee has scheduled a visit to the Lucy Covington Government Center in Nespelem today.

The governor is meeting with leaders of communities impacted by recent wildfires, including the Colville Business Council.

Inslee plans to hear directly from a select group of community members greatly impacted by the fire on the first floor of the Government Center starting at 3 p.m., a press release from the Colville Tribes sent Tuesday night said. The governor will receive earlier briefings from the Colville Business Council and from fire experts on critical needs and how the state and tribes can cooperate going forward.

The Chuweah Creek fire near Nespelem has burned at least 36,407 acres, destroying three homes and seven outbuildings to date. Firefighters are still working to contain the blaze that started July 12. The Summit Trail Fire near Inchelium has burned more than 4,600 acres. Some 75 structures are under level 1 evacuation advisory east along Twin Lakes.

Tribal Chairman Andrew Joseph Jr. said, “The Colville Tribes is pleased to welcome Governor Inslee to the Colville Reservation. Climate change threatens all people, and we must work together to address challenges such as wildfires.”