Communities across Spokane County are facing widespread disruption as the Spokane Complex Wildfires continue to burn. According to updates from Monday night, the three fires making up the complex had burned over 10,000 acres. Strong winds, dry summer conditions, and low humidity fueled the flames, forcing approximately 65,000 Spokane County residents to evacuate. Early estimates suggest that roughly 700 homes and other buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Thankfully, no fatalities had been reported as of Monday afternoon.
In the face of these challenges, communities across the Inland Northwest have come together. Neighbors, local businesses, first responders, and relief organizations are providing shelter, supplies, and support to those affected.
Whether you’re looking for emergency resources, ways to help your neighbors, or guidance on safely returning home after an evacuation order is lifted, this guide brings together the information you need.
What to do after a wildfire: step-by-step recovery guide
Navigating the aftermath of a wildfire can feel overwhelming. If you are returning to your home or assessing damage after an evacuation, follow these essential steps to keep yourself and your family safe:
1. Wait for official clearance before returning
Do not return to your property until fire departments and local officials have formally declared the area safe. Returning prematurely can interfere with containment efforts and put you at risk of secondary hazards like falling power lines or weakened trees.
2. Inspect the exterior and structure
- Return during daylight hours: Visibility is crucial when navigating hazardous roads or inspecting property damage.
- Check for hotspots: Walk the perimeter and look for lingering embers, smoldering tree stumps, or hidden fires on roofs and in gutters.
- Look for utility risks: Smell for natural gas leaks or listen for hissing sounds. Avoid downed or charred power lines and contact local utility companies immediately.
3. Take protective measures indoors
- Wear protective gear: Air quality inside and around burned areas can remain toxic. Wear N95 face masks, heavy gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when entering.
- Ventilate and purify: Open windows to air out lingering smoke odor if outdoor air quality permits. Check real-time air conditions using AirNow.gov or the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, and replace HVAC air filters immediately.
- Discard contaminated items: Discard unpackaged food, medicine, or cosmetics exposed to smoke, heat, or ash. Avoid tap water until public safety officials confirm it is safe.
4. Document everything for insurance
- Take photos and videos: Before cleaning up or discarding items, fully document all property and structural damage to ease the insurance claims process.
- Contact your insurer and mortgage provider: Contact your homeowner’s insurance carrier to start a claim and ask about Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage for temporary housing. If you cannot make upcoming payments, contact your mortgage lender about disaster forbearance programs.You can also contact the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (Hotline: 800-562-6900) or connect with a housing counselor via the Washington Homeownership Resource Center for free advocacy and advice.
- Apply for federal assistance: If a federal disaster declaration is issued for individual assistance, impacted homeowners and renters should register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to check eligibility for emergency housing grants, home repair funds, and uninsured loss coverage.
Ways to stay informed and up-to-date with official fire updates
Real-time, accurate information is critical during active wildfire situations and containment efforts. Use these trusted local channels to stay updated on evacuation levels, smoke conditions, and safety notices:
- ALERT Spokane: Sign up at alertspokane.org to receive targeted emergency text, phone, and email alerts directly from Spokane County Emergency Management.
- Spokane County Emergency Management (SCEM): Follow official updates on the SCEM website and social media channels for current evacuation zone maps, shelter updates, and road closures.
- Spokane Regional Emergency Communication (SREC 911): Provides live evacuation mapping updates and emergency response notifications.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Keep emergency alerts enabled on your mobile device to receive automatic, location-based safety broadcasts.
Active wildfire resources and evacuation shelters
If you have been displaced by the wildfires, several evacuation shelters and animal care centers are open to provide safe refuge, supplies, and assistance.
Displaced resident shelters
- Spokane Convention Center: Located at 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Offers shelter, free parking, and pets are welcome.
- Jenkins High School: Located at 702 E. Lincoln St., Chewelah. Operating as an evacuation shelter for displaced residents.
- Spokane County Fair and Expo Center: Located at 404 N. Havana St. (enter through the Red Gate off Broadway). Offers shelter, RV parking, and animal sheltering facilities for evacuated animals.
Pet and animal Support
- Spokanimal: Located at 710 N. Napa St. Providing free boarding for displaced animals. Also accepting donations such as pet food, blankets, and towels.
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Clothing and essential item donations
For those looking to donate clothing and daily essential items or for families in need of supplies, the following local organizations are collecting and distributing goods:
Clothing donations
- Global Neighborhood Thrift: 919 E. Trent Ave.
- Accepting clothing donations and offering free clothing vouchers to those affected by the fires.
- Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM | Friday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Partners INW: 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley.
- Accepting clothing and diaper donations. Drop off items in the front lobby.
- Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Plato’s Closet: 13004 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley.
- Offering free clothing to fire victims and collecting clothing donations for the Spokane Convention Center evacuation shelter.
- Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Hygiene and supplies
- Project Beauty Share: 2718 E. Sprague Ave.
- Needed Items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, soap, razors, lotion, lip balm, deodorant, hairbrushes, and combs. Items will be directly distributed to displaced families.
- Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Food donations and food banks
Food banks across the Spokane area are coordinating relief to ensure displaced residents and emergency responders have access to non-perishable food.
- Second harvest food bank: 1234 E. Front St.
- Accepting non-perishable food donations.
- Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
- Caritas food bank: 4718 N. Ash St. (across from Value Village).
- Accepting non-perishable food donations.
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 10:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Partners INW food bank: 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley.
- Accepting food donations at the Food Bank West Entrance (Door 4).
- Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Monetary donations, relief funds and volunteering
Financial contributions allow relief organizations to adapt quickly to evolving needs, while hands-on volunteers help get aid directly to survivors. Consider supporting recovery efforts through these trusted options:
- H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund: Direct financial relief supporting individuals and families directly affected by the Spokane wildfires.
- Innovia Foundation – Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund: Supporting both immediate emergency needs and long-term community recovery efforts across the region.
- Catholic Charities Eastern Washington: Operating an emergency fund for individuals and families impacted by the Spokane Complex wildfires.
- American Red Cross – Northwest Region: Directing monetary aid to evacuation shelters while actively recruiting volunteers to manage shelters, distribute supplies, and support displaced families.
- Volunteer Spokane (United Way): Find a centralized hub for active wildfire volunteer tasks, donation center shifts, and community clean-up projects.
- Second Harvest Food Bank: Volunteer at the Spokane Center (1234 E. Front St.) to sort, pack, and prepare emergency food boxes for impacted families.
- Spokanimal: Offer your time to assist local animal shelters with feeding, cage cleaning, or walking pets displaced by the evacuations.
Know of another local resource or collection drive? Send a message so this guide can stay continuously updated for our community.
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