Our hearts are with every family affected by the Spokane Area Fires. What happened to our city this weekend is devastating and the road ahead is long. Here is where to find help and how to give it.
What Is Happening: Spokane Area Fires, August 2026
Three major wildfires broke out in Spokane County on Saturday, August 1, 2026. As of Monday morning August 3, 2026, here is what is confirmed:
- The three fires are the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire, and the Autumn Lane Fire
- More than 8,000 acres have burned across Spokane County with 0% containment as of Monday morning, according to InciWeb
- More than 700 structures have been destroyed, with officials noting the number will increase as crews access additional areas
- Nearly 65,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Spokane County, according to CNN live updates as of August 3, 2026
- The Indian Trail neighborhood, Five Mile Prairie, Balboa neighborhood, and areas near Airway Heights have been severely impacted
- Winds reached 44 mph on Saturday and pushed flames northeast into northern Spokane neighborhoods
- No deaths or injuries have been confirmed as of Monday morning
- Governor Bob Ferguson has requested federal emergency support and FEMA assistance
- Today Monday August 3 offers the best firefighting conditions in days with light winds and a high near 80 degrees, according to CNN
Emergency Shelters Open Now in Spokane
- Spokane Convention Center (Primary Shelter): Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Parking is free. Pets are welcome. Address: 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
- Spokane Falls Community College Small Gym: Active evacuation center supporting families displaced by the Old Trails Fire
- Northwood Middle School: Dedicated evacuation hub for families displaced by the Fairview Fire near Mead
- YMCA of the Inland Northwest: All locations including North, South, Central, and Spokane Valley are open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for evacuees needing a hot shower or a safe place to rest
Free Resources for Displaced Spokane Families
- Spokane Public Schools Emergency Day Camp: Free childcare Monday August 3 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Shadle Park High School. Open to children ages 4 and up. Free lunch provided through a federal summer meals program. The district may open additional sites depending on demand.
- Avista Utilities: Natural gas service has been shut off in affected areas. Customers may still smell gas in service lines and interior piping. Contact Avista if you have concerns about gas safety before re-entering your home.
Where to Donate: Verified Spokane Wildfire Relief Funds
- City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund: The City of Spokane has temporarily designated this fund for wildfire relief. Every dollar goes directly to families affected. Donate at my.spokanecity.org/endinghomelessness/donations. Mayor Lisa Brown confirmed this fund on August 2, 2026.
- Innovia Foundation Wildfire Response Fund: A trusted regional foundation accepting donations specifically for Spokane wildfire recovery and rebuilding support.
- Second Harvest: Accepting non-perishable food donations at their Front Ave location in Spokane to support displaced families.
- Catholic Charities Eastern Washington: Accepting donations at cceasternwa.org to support families in crisis.
How to Help: Physical Donations Needed
Spokane families who have lost everything need immediate physical supplies. The following items are most needed right now:
- Food and water
- Toiletries and hygiene supplies
- Clothing for all ages
- Bedding and blankets
Drop-off locations are being coordinated through local organizations. Check the City of Spokane's official social media channels and spokanecity.org for the most current drop-off information as it updates throughout the week.
Evacuation Map and Official Updates
- Spokane County Evacuation Map: Check the current evacuation zones and levels at spokanecounty.org
- Level 3 Go Now: Leave immediately. Do not wait.
- Level 2 Get Set: Be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
- Level 1 Get Ready: Be aware and monitor conditions closely.
- Evacuation orders have continued to expand as of Monday morning. Always check the official Spokane County map for current zone status before making any decisions about returning home.
Spokane Is Strong
Spokane has always stepped up when neighbors need each other most. Restaurants sent food to survivors and fire crews. Residents offered spare rooms. A local school district opened free childcare within hours. As CNN reported, one Spokane resident said this about our community: "I live in one of the most amazing communities in the country. It's unfortunate that it takes a devastating situation like this to really show just how caring folks are for each other here."
Please keep every Spokane family affected by this fire in your thoughts and prayers.
