Benton County residents whose homes were destroyed or badly damaged in the Sept. 25 Second Street Fire near Benton City may qualify for two state aid programs: a one-time Household Needs Grant through Washington Emergency Management and the Department of Social and Health Services' Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP), which is open until Oct. 30, 2026, or until funds run out.
The wind-driven fire was reported shortly after 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, off Northeast Second Street, south of Benton City. It burned about 1,151 acres and crossed I-82 and SR 224 before crews stopped its forward progress. At least five homes were confirmed destroyed, including structures on Apple Drive and Pear Drive and at the Kiona Mobile Community. No injuries were reported. All evacuations were lifted and roads reopened by 6 p.m. Sept. 27. The Benton County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause.
Household Needs Grant
Benton County is on the state's list of eligible counties for Household Needs Grants. To qualify, applicants must show their primary residence was destroyed or suffered major damage, under FEMA's Preliminary Damage Assessment Guide, from a wildfire on or after June 14, 2026. Grants are $750 for a one-person household, $1,500 for two to four people and $2,250 for five or more.
Applicants can apply online through the Washington Military Department's wildfire assistance page, call 2-1-1 for help, or visit a State Individual Assistance Service Center. They will need proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport, proof of disaster damage and proof that the home was their primary residence. KXLY reported an Oct. 30, 2026, deadline for the grant.
Disaster Cash Assistance Program
Gov. Bob Ferguson's amended Proclamation 26-03 added Benton County to DCAP and extended the program until Oct. 30, 2026, or until funds are used up, whichever comes first. DCAP is monthly emergency cash aid for people who meet income and resource limits and do not already get TANF, Aged, Blind or Disabled cash assistance, or other cash benefits. The amount depends on household size, income and need. People living in designated disaster areas who cannot return home because of evacuations or wildfire damage may be eligible.
Residents can start a DCAP application at WashingtonConnection.org, then complete the required interview by phone at 877-501-2233 or in person at a local DSHS Community Services Office or mobile office.
Sources
- Washington State Military Department – Wildfire Assistance
- DSHS – Disaster Cash Assistance Available Through Oct. 30
- DSHS – DCAP Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- KXLY – Washington State offers disaster assistance for wildfire-damaged homes
- Apple Valley News Now (KAPP-KVEW) – Benton City residents return to aftermath of Second Street Fire
- Apple Valley News Now – All evacuations and road closures cancelled for Second Street Fire
- KIRO 7 – Second Street fire 95% contained, all evacuations lifted
- Tip (not a news source): @heykimfeliciano Instagram Reel
