Representatives from across our region gathered at Shadle Park High School this afternoon to share updates with the community regarding response efforts for the Spokane Complex Wildfire.
Spokane County Commissioner Chris Jordan announced that a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) will open at Shadle Park High School on Thursday, Aug. 6, from noon to 6 p.m. with hours continuing Aug. 7-9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone impacted by the fires are encouraged to attend as they are able to connect directly with resources.
“The center is an in-person community resource hub, where those affected by the fire can begin the process of graining critical information,” Jordan said. “While recovery will be a long road, the opening of the Disaster Assistance Center is an important step forward.”
Spokane County Department of Emergency Management deputy director Chandra Fox noted that all visitors at the DAC should check in with Spokane Regional Long Term Recovery Group, which was established after the Oregon and Gray Road fires in 2023.
“They are our designated agency who will manage case management and case navigation for our impacted households,” Fox explained. “They will be the formal intake for all of our impacted households. This is critically important because we need to have your information and the specifics on what your situation is so that we can more effectively help you navigate the myriad of resources that are going to be available for you.”
She assured the community that information is kept confidential with security and privacy protected for those seeking support.
SPS superintendent Dr. Adam Swinyard and Innovia Foundation CEO Shelly O’Quinn emphasized the need for clear communication and navigation connecting families with services, encouraging organizations providing support and individuals seeking volunteer opportunities to visit SpokaneCommunityResources.org.
“Any member of our community can go and get connected to the resources that are available, and anybody that would like to offer services or support can go to that website and complete a form to have their information shared,” Dr. Swinyard said.
“This community has really shown up in force, but the key to getting that support out to those who have been impacted by the fires, as Adam said, is the fact that we need to be organized in this response,” O’Quinn emphasized.
Other speakers included Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels, Commissioner Josh Kerns, Incident Command Public Information Officer Tom Stokesberry, and Mayor Lisa Brown.
Sheriff Nowels and PIO Stokesberry provided an update on firefighting efforts, which have brough 1,500 firefighters from across 23 states to Spokane.
Nowels recognized that evacuated families may want to return to their neighborhoods, but encouraged patience and caution.
“Our fire teams right now are working on establishing fire lines around all of these fire zones,” Nowels said. Fire lines create a barrier to prevent a fire from spreading to additional fuel sources. “If we let people come back in and we don't have a high degree of certainty that those fire lines will hold in the coming days, we're putting people in danger.”
He asked, for the safety of all, including first responders, that community members continue to observe evacuation orders, cooperate with National Guard and law enforcement, and refrain from flying drones in in restricted air space, which can interfere with firefighting efforts.
Along with DAC, the Shadle Park Free Kids Day Camp will continue Aug. 6 and Aug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free lunch for children and activities supervised by SPS staff. The camp will extend into the weekend, with schedule details coming soon.
Please continue to visit Spokane Community Resources to connect with support and Contact Us with questions.