How to Help Families Affected by the Spokane Wildfires (2026)
There are moments when life reminds us just how fragile everything around us really is. Right now, Spokane is living through one of those moments.
Multiple wildfires have destroyed over 700 homes and forced over 60,000 people to evacuate with little more than what they could fit in their vehicles. My great aunt lost her home. The part that still feels impossible to wrap my mind around is that the houses directly behind hers are still standing. Sometimes tragedy doesn’t make sense.
As I’ve watched these fires unfold, I’ve realized that many of us ask the same question: “What can I do?” The good news is that even if you don’t have specialized equipment or firefighting experience, you can still make an incredible difference.
1. Give Money When You Can
Financial donations often provide the fastest and most flexible form of relief. Relief organizations can purchase exactly what’s needed instead of sorting through items they may not have room to store. Even a donation as small as the cost of your morning coffee matters.
City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund
The American Red Cross
Catholic Charities Eastern Washington
2. Donate the Right Things
If local organizations are accepting physical donations, focus on necessities people immediately need. This will include things like toiletries, diapers and wipes, new socks and underwear, nonperishable food, bottled water, pet supplies, school supplies, gift cards for groceries, gas, or home improvement stores.
Before dropping items off, check what organizations are currently requesting. Their needs change consistently and very quickly.
Second Harvest Inland Northwest
Partners Inland Northwest
Spokane Homeless Coalition
3. Remember the Animals
Many shelters, rescues, and livestock organizations find themselves caring for hundreds of displaced animals. Donations of food, supplies, or financial support can make a tremendous impact.
HEART Spokane
4. Volunteer Your Time
As emergency response transitions into recovery, communities often need people willing to prepare meals, sort donations, help families move, clean properties, and assist at relief centers.
Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t money, it’s showing up.
Spokane County Emergency Management
5. Support Local Businesses
Many businesses lose weeks or months of income during disasters. If you’re nearby, choose to eat locally, shop locally, and intentionally support businesses working to rebuild.
6. Don’t Forget About Recovery
The cameras eventually leave, the headlines disappear. The rebuilding doesn’t. Families often need support long after national attention has moved on. Consider checking back weeks or even months later to see how you can continue helping.
7. Preserve What Still Remains
As someone whose work revolves around documenting life, this tragedy reminded me of just how precious our everyday memories really are. Photographs, videos, letters, journals, children’s artwork, recipes written in a grandparent’s handwriting, voice recordings… these things don’t feel urgent until suddenly they are irreplaceable.
*UPDATE*
Consider donating to AirBNB, which is now offering assistance to everyone displaced in the Spokane wildfires. You can find all of the details HERE.
If there’s one lesson I’m taking away from these fires, it’s this: Don’t wait to preserve what matters most. Document your life now.
Back up your photos, and record the stories only your family knows because none of us know when ordinary days will suddenly become history.
To Everyone Who Has Been Affected:
If you’ve lost your home, or know someone who has, I am so incredibly sorry. No words can replace what has been taken, but I hope you know that people you’ve never met are thinking of you, praying for you, donating to help you, and grieving alongside you.
Communities are remarkable, and yours will rebuild one neighbor, one act of kindness, and one day at a time.
See you,
Amy