How to Help Those Affected by the Spokane Wildfires
The Spokane-area wildfires have forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, damaged entire neighborhoods, and created urgent needs for families, pets, and first responders throughout the region. Community support will play a critical role in both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery.
Whether you live in Spokane or are looking to help from elsewhere, there are many meaningful ways to make a difference.
Donate to Trusted Relief Organizations
Financial donations are often the most effective way to support disaster response efforts because they allow organizations to quickly address the most urgent and changing needs of affected communities.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is providing emergency shelter, meals, comfort supplies, and support services for wildfire evacuees. The organization is operating a major shelter at the Spokane Convention Center, where displaced residents can access food, showers, overnight accommodations, and pet-friendly services.
Learn More and Donate:
H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund
The City of Spokane has established a wildfire relief initiative through its H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund to support affected individuals and families as they begin the recovery process.
Information:
Innovia Foundation Wildfire Response Fund
The Innovia Foundation has launched the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups serving wildfire survivors. According to Innovia, 100% of donated funds will be directed toward relief and recovery efforts.
Information:
https://greaterspokane.org/fire-resources/
Support Frontline Firefighters
Thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel continue working around the clock to protect lives and property. Community donations of essential supplies can help crews remain safe, healthy, and energized during long shifts.
Commonly requested items include:
- Electrolyte drinks and hydration packets
- Energy and protein bars
- Trail mix and snack foods
- Beef jerky
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Eye drops
- Baby wipes
- Clean socks
- Personal hygiene products
Community members should check with local fire stations and relief organizations for current donation needs and drop-off locations.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteers are often needed to assist with shelter operations, resource distribution, logistics, community outreach, and recovery support. Even if you cannot donate financially, volunteering can make a significant impact.
Opportunities may be available through:
- American Red Cross
- Local nonprofit organizations
- Faith-based relief groups
- Community recovery coalitions
Volunteer Information:
https://www.redcross.org/volunteer
Help Displaced Families
Many Spokane-area residents have lost homes, possessions, or access to daily necessities. Families may need temporary housing, transportation, childcare assistance, pet care, clothing, and household essentials.
If you would like to help directly:
- Offer temporary accommodations to trusted friends or community members.
- Donate gift cards for grocery stores and pharmacies.
- Support local relief organizations collecting emergency supplies.
- Share community resources with affected families.
Always verify current needs before donating physical items to ensure resources are distributed effectively.
Care for Animals Impacted by the Fires
Wildfires affect pets, livestock, and wildlife as well as people. Emergency animal evacuation and sheltering services have been established to help displaced animals remain safe during evacuation efforts.
The Spokane County Fairgrounds has been serving as a resource for livestock and larger animal evacuations, helping owners find temporary shelter and care.
Animal welfare organizations often welcome donations of:
- Pet food
- Leashes and carriers
- Bedding and blankets
- Veterinary supplies
- Monetary contributions
Support Community Health and Smoke Safety
Wildfire smoke can create serious health risks, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Local health officials encourage residents to take precautions and limit smoke exposure when air quality deteriorates.
Ways to help include:
- Donating N95 respirator masks
- Checking on elderly neighbors and vulnerable community members
- Providing access to clean indoor spaces
- Sharing trusted public health information
For current health guidance, visit the Spokane Regional Health District's wildfire smoke resource center.
Share Verified Information
During any disaster, accurate information can save lives. Residents are encouraged to rely on official sources for updates on evacuation orders, shelter locations, road closures, air quality, and emergency assistance.
Trusted resources include:
- Spokane County Emergency Management
- Spokane County Sheriff's Office
- City of Spokane Emergency Information
- Washington Department of Natural Resources
- National Weather Service Spokane
- American Red Cross
- ALERT Spokane Notifications
Sharing verified information helps reduce confusion and ensures those affected can access the support they need.
Together, Spokane Recovers
The Spokane wildfires have created unprecedented challenges for thousands of families across the region. While emergency responders continue fighting active fires, community support remains essential for helping neighbors recover and rebuild. Whether you donate, volunteer, provide supplies, support animal care efforts, or simply share reliable information, every contribution makes a difference.
For the latest community resources and recovery information, visit the City of Spokane's wildfire resource page and the Greater Spokane Inc. Community Resource Hub.