How Your Family Can Help the Spokane Wildfire Evacuees

When the air quality warning triggered on my phone yesterday, I wondered if it was caused by smoke blowing in from the devastating Spokane wildfires that broke out Saturday morning. As these fires are only three of 17 that are burning in our state right now, they are likely not the only source. 

The three Spokane fires — Autumn Lane Fire, Old Trails Fire and Fairview Fire — are still burning with no end in sight. Agencies are reporting zero percent containment as of Monday, and more than 10,000 acres are currently burning, according to InciWeb.

To date, the fires have destroyed more than 700 structures and forced more than 60,000 people to evacuate from residences, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Whitworth University and the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center were also evacuated over the weekend.  

The most recent development of the devastation — an arson suspect has been arrested, in relation to the Old Trails Fire.

Where families can donate  

I know many of us are looking for ways to help and make donations, even if we’re hundreds of miles away. The easiest way to support our fellow Washingtonians is to donate to an organization that’s on the ground in Spokane. If your family is able to donate, here are a few places to consider giving to:

• H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund: This City of Spokane initiative typically dedicated to people experiencing homelessness is now accepting donations that will provide assistance for people impacted by the wildfires and connect them to local resources. 
• American Red Cross Northwest Region: An on-the-ground organization helping people across Washington state affected by wildfires.  
• Catholic Charities Eastern Washington: CCEW has set up an emergency fund operated by Classy to collect donations that support their Emergency Response Team. This team provides essential items, housing, counseling and other support to those affected by the Spokane fires.  
• Innovia Foundation: This community foundation has set up a Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund that supports nonprofits, businesses and other community organizations responding to people impacted by the wildfires in the region.
• SpokAnimal: This local nonprofit is taking in pets displaced by the fires and reuniting them with owners. They are currently accepting monetary donations. 

A word of caution: It’s best to donate to vetted organizations, through official channels to ensure your donation gets to those in need.