Washington’s ongoing wildfire emergency has resulted in evacuations and displacement across multiple communities, including residents and staff from long-term care settings.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) updated its emergency guidance for adult family homes on September 10, 2026, following Governor Bob Ferguson’s wildfire emergency proclamations 26-03, 26-03.1, and 26-03.2.

What changed

The Governor’s August 31 amendment expanded the areas eligible for emergency relief. The affected areas identified by DSHS now include:

• Benton County

• Chelan County

• Columbia County

• Douglas County

• Ferry County

• Grant County

• Kittitas County

• Okanogan County

• Spokane County

• Stevens County

• Whitman County

• Yakima County

• Lands of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

• Lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

• Lands of the Spokane Tribe of Indians

DSHS states that the emergency proclamation has been extended through September 30, 2026, with some provisions extending 60 days from the August 31 proclamation.

Temporary AFH flexibilities

For adult family homes supporting displaced residents, the proclamation temporarily waives specific portions of state law and rule involving:

• Adult family home capacity limits

• Certain requirements and fees related to seven- and eight-bed homes

• Timing of portions of the resident assessment process

• Emergency admission requirements

• Timing of resident rights and services notices

The DSHS letter identifies the specific RCW and WAC provisions affected by the waiver. These are temporary emergency provisions and do not remove other licensing, safety, staffing, care, or documentation responsibilities that remain in effect.

What providers should do

If your home is affected by the wildfire emergency, is assisting displaced residents, or believes one of these temporary provisions may apply:

1. Review the full DSHS provider letter and the Governor’s emergency proclamations.

2. Contact your local Residential Care Services Field Manager for guidance about how the emergency provisions apply to your home.

3. Keep clear documentation of emergency admissions, resident placements, capacity changes, assessments, notices, and communications related to the emergency.

For questions regarding the waived provisions, DSHS directs providers to the RCS Policy Unit at RCSPolicy@dshs.wa.gov.

AFHC will continue monitoring wildfire-related emergency guidance and will share additional provider updates as they become available.

Sources

• DSHS Residential Care Services Dear Provider Letter, HCLA: AFH #2026-033, amended September 10, 2026.

• Washington Governor’s Office, Emergency Proclamations 26-03, 26-03.1, and 26-03.2.