The fires impacted low-income communities that have very little housing available for families who suffered devastating losses when their homes and possessions burned. In a terse, three-paragraph letter, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate said the effect to individuals and homeowners "was not of the severity and magnitude to warrant" individual assistance. "Local communities and state agencies have responded admirably, but a disaster of this magnitude requires long-term federal assistance to help these communities respond, rebuild, and cope with this tragedy," the letter said. Because there are no comparable Washington state programs, FEMA assistance with housing and household goods is necessary.