wildfire response
The Great Spokane Fire of 1889 forever shaped our city. While today’s circumstances are different, the wildfires of 2026 will also leave a lasting impact on our community and the lives of those affected.
Below is a collection of emergency relief and recovery resources. DSP staff are working closely with community partners and will continue updating this information as additional resources become available.
Whether you are directly impacted, a business owner, an employee, or a neighbor looking to help, we all have a role to play. Recovery will take time, but Spokane has always been strengthened by the compassion and resilience of its community.
Ratepayer Resources
Downtown Service Update
Due to smoke conditions, the Downtown Ambassadors and Clean Team have transitioned to indoor operations to protect staff health and safety. Teams remain available to respond to service requests through our dispatch line at 509.353.9111 and will continue patrolling the Business Improvement District by vehicle as air quality allows. To keep a visible safety presence throughout downtown the Ambassador team is extending their service hours to 10:00 p.m.Â
Three Simple Steps to Help Keep Downtown Safe
As first responder resources remain stretched due to the ongoing wildfire response, everyone has a role to play in helping keep Downtown Spokane safe and welcoming. Property managers, building staff, and service teams can make a meaningful difference by taking a few simple steps:
1. Keep sidewalks and entrances clear
Check the area around your property regularly. Remove trash, debris, and other obstructions from sidewalks, doorways, and building entrances. Make sure walkways are accessible and well-lit.
2. Report concerns promptly
If you notice a safety concern, suspicious activity, or an urgent issue, report it to the appropriate resource rather than attempting to handle it yourself. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency concerns, use the appropriate City of Spokane or property management reporting channels.
3. Be a good neighbor
Check in with neighboring businesses and properties, especially those that may be experiencing challenges during the wildfire response. Share important information, offer assistance when appropriate, and help direct people to available community resources.
Air Quality Safety
According to the Spokane Regional Health District, an air quality alert remains in effect for our region as smoke from regional wildfires continues to impact Spokane.
- Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Check current air quality conditions before heading outside.
- If you must be outdoors, wear a properly fitted N95 respirator.
- Keep windows and doors closed and use a HEPA air purifier if available.
- If you experience difficulty breathing or other serious symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or call 911.
Employers should also be aware that Washington State’s Emergency Wildfire Smoke Rule requires protections for workers when wildfire smoke reaches certain levels.
For the latest air quality updates and additional health guidance, visit the Spokane Regional Health District, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, or the Washington Smoke Blog.
For those displaced
If members of your workforce have been impacted
- Offer paid emergency leave or flexible scheduling.
- Establish an employee relief fund.
- Provide access to counseling or employee assistance programs.
- Allow coworkers to donate vacation leave where policies permit.
Emergency Shelter and Respite
Spokane Convention Center |Â Evacuation Shelter for People
Address: 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
The American Red Cross has opened an evacuation shelter at the Spokane Convention Center for individuals and families under evacuation orders in North Spokane. This is the primary centralized shelter location.
Spokane County Fair & Expo Center |Â Evacuation Shelter for Animals
Address: 404 N Havana St, Spokane, WA 99202
Evacuated animals can be taken to the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center for shelter and care.
YMCA of Inland Northwest: YMCA of the Inland Northwest is opening their doors at their North, South, Valley, and Central Spokane locations for showers and other temporary respite needs. Personal identification will be required for access. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Â
Spokane Public Schools: Free emergency drop-in camp for children ages 4 and older at Shadle Park High School (4327 N. Ash St.) will be available every day this week, Aug. 3-7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hotels
Visit Spokane has compiled the following lodging availability information provided directly by participating Spokane Hotel Motel Association members and friends. Availability is subject to change and guests should contact properties directly for the most current information.
When the worst happens
Insurance town hall scheduled Aug. 5 – postponed
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer is hosting a town hall in Spokane to answer questions about homeowner insurance policies and claims and the agency’s wildfire mitigation work.
Disaster relief resource center for tax professionals
Disasters can mean that many payroll and practitioner businesses and their clients suffer significant losses. Our goal is to provide resources and help to the affected payroll and practitioner community.
Business gives back
Businesses can play an important role in helping neighbors recover after a wildfire. The most effective support often combines immediate relief with longer-term recovery efforts.
Here are four meaningful ways a business can help
Collect and Donate Essential Supplies
Organize a donation drive for items that relief organizations have identified as immediate needs, such as:
- Gift cards to grocery or home improvement stores
- Hygiene products
- New clothing and socks
- Pet food and supplies
- School supplies for displaced families
Coordinate with local emergency management or nonprofit organizations to ensure donations match current needs.
Raise Funds Through Customers and Employees
Launch a fundraising campaign by:
- Matching employee donations.
- Donating a percentage of sales during a designated period.
- Providing customers the option to round up their purchases.
- Hosting a benefit event or auction.
Cash donations are often the most valuable because relief organizations can purchase exactly what is needed.
Provide Direct Support to Displaced Families
If appropriate for your business, offer resources such as:
- Free meeting or workspace.
- Complimentary meals or beverages.
- Temporary discounts on products or services.
- Wi-Fi, charging stations, or printing services for insurance and recovery paperwork.
- Temporary storage space for belongings.
Partner with Trusted Community Organizations
Rather than working independently, collaborate with organizations already coordinating relief efforts. This might include:
- Local chapters of disaster relief nonprofits.
- Community foundations managing wildfire recovery funds.
- Emergency management agencies.
- Food banks, shelters, or animal rescue organizations.
Partnerships help ensure donations are distributed efficiently and reduce duplication of effort.
amplify your efforts
Share Your Event: Hosting an event, fundraiser, donation drive, or other community activity? Add your event or activity to the Downtown Spokane event calendar, and our team will help share it across Downtown Spokane’s social media channels and communications.
Promote Your Give-Back Efforts: If your business or organization is hosting a fundraiser, donation drive, or other give-back event, tag @DowntownSpokane on social media so our team can help amplify your message and connect more people with ways to support the community.
The Downtown Spokane Partnership is actively exploring opportunities to provide meaningful support to our downtown neighborhood and those impacted by the wildfires. If you are a downtown business owner interested in contributing to these efforts or partnering with us, please contact our team at info@downtownspokane.org.
Donations & Funds
Innovia Foundation
In response to the devastating wildfires currently affecting the Spokane region, Innovia Foundation has opened the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund. Donations to the fund will support nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted.
Matching Funds:
Red Cross
Help people affected by wildfires in Washington. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.
City of Spokane
The H.O.M.E. Starts Here fund, which is typically used to support services for people experiencing homelessness, is being activated to accept donations for community members impacted by the recent wildfires. Donations will help provide assistance and connect those affected with critical resources as they begin the recovery process.
Partners Inland NW
Partners INW is supporting wildfire relief efforts in Spokane by providing essential resources to individuals and families impacted by emergencies and displacement. Community members can help by donating non-perishable food, diapers, hygiene supplies, clothing, pet supplies, and other basic necessities.Â
Catholic Charities Eastern Washington
The Catholic Charities Eastern Washington Emergency Fund supports individuals and families impacted by the Spokane Complex wildfires by providing essential items, emergency housing assistance, counseling, and short- and long-term recovery support. Donations help the Emergency Response team address urgent needs and provide ongoing assistance to community members displaced or affected by the fires.
Second Harvest
Second Harvest Inland Northwest is supporting wildfire relief efforts by providing food and essential resources to individuals and families impacted by the Spokane Complex fires. Donations help ensure emergency food assistance reaches neighbors facing displacement, loss, and increased hardship during recovery.
Big Table
Big Table is supporting Spokane Complex wildfire relief by providing care, resources, and connection to restaurant and hospitality workers impacted by the disaster. Donations help Big Table offer crisis support, practical assistance, and ongoing encouragement to hospitality workers and their families as they recover from the impacts of the fires.
Help First Responders
As firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders work on the front lines to protect our homes, businesses, and livelihoods, they are also leaving behind families, loved ones, and communities of their own. They put their lives on the line to keep others safe, often working long hours in difficult and dangerous conditions.
Consider supporting the organizations that provide critical resources and support to our first responders before, during, and after emergencies. Your generosity helps ensure that those who are there for our community have the support they need, too.
- Supporting Firefighters: Benevolent Fund – Local 29 – Prod
- Supporting Spokane Police Officers:Â Police Chaplaincy Program – City of Spokane, Washington
collections & contributions
Event Updates
In response to the ongoing wildfire impacts in our region, several upcoming events have been cancelled or postponed. We appreciate your understanding as our community continues to respond to those affected by the fires.
- Post Work-Out Series: The Thursday, August 6 class has been cancelled.
- First Friday will continue as planned. However, outdoor activities, including the First Friday Face-Off, have been cancelled. To find participating venues and learn more about First Friday activities, please visit firstfridayspokane.org.
Follow the Spokane Public Facilities District, River Park Square, and Riverfront Park for updates on major community events.
Find scheduled relief activities and events below
Events
List of events in Photo View
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Free Looff Carrousel Rides for Our Community
August 5 - August 9 -
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