City of Spokane

Spokane Complex Fire Update Newsletter

Nov. 6, 2026

The City of Spokane wants to ensure that those impacted by the Spokane Complex Fire have the resources and information they need. From housing assistance to household needs grant, resources are available. Continue reading to learn more about programs that are available. 

New Information

SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a Disaster Loan Outreach Center to assist businesses, private nonprofit organizations, and residents affected by the Spokane Complex Fire. SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Spokane to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. The Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the NorthTown Mall, on the second floor near JC Penney. Walk-ins are welcome, and in-person appointments can be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

Wildfire Claims Workshop

Join the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) on Monday, Nov. 9, 6-8:30 p.m., for the fourth wildfire claims workshop for Spokane Complex Fire survivors. OIC insurance experts will discuss best practices about debris removal and other wildfire recovery tips and answer your questions, including one-on-one help. Feel free to drop in for help even if you can't make the opening presentation. Click here to learn more and let OIC know you're coming.

Remote DSC Office at Shadle Park Library

The City of Spokane’s Development Services Center has been proud to support residents impacted by the Spokane Complex fires through our remote office at Shadle Park Library. Over the past two months, we’ve assisted more than 60 households during 23 days of in-person outreach at the library, in addition to connecting with residents at evening open houses and other community resource events.


The remote office has paused operations for the remainder of the year as we transition to the next phase of rebuilding support. Our commitment to helping residents rebuild remains strong. Residents can continue to access rebuilding guidance, permitting assistance, and other resources by contacting the Development Services Center at 509-625-6300 or emailing RebuildSpokane@spokanecity.org.  

Adoption of Emergency Wildfire Rebuilding Rule

The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) has voted to adopt an emergency rule designed to provide immediate energy code flexibility and targeted relief for property owners rebuilding after the devastating 2026 wildfire season. SBCC staff completed filing of the emergency rule on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. This rule is effective immediately and is designed to lower construction costs, ease administrative burdens, and accelerate the permitting process for families trying to return to their communities. 

Rebuilding

Asbestos Survey Costs

The City of Spokane is providing asbestos surveying at no cost to fire-affected residents where asbestos survey services are not provided through their home insurance.


The City secured authorization from the Washington State Department of Commerce to support residents with obtaining and paying for asbestos testing using Wildfire Housing Assistance Funds, regardless of income level. 

 

Property owners of fire-affected properties from the Old Trails Fire can fill out this form to request asbestos surveying at no cost. Residents who have already conducted an asbestos test not covered by insurance are also asked to fill out the form for retroactive payment. 


You may still qualify for reimbursement even if you’ve received payouts from your insurance company. Please contact the City for more information and to determine your eligibility.

When rebuilding from fire damage, use L&I resources to protect against scams

Homeowners rebuilding after this season’s fire damage should make sure to check out their contractor before making a decision or paying any money. The best way to avoid contractor scams is by using the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) tools and guidance at ProtectMyHome.net. 

Mortgage Relief from Fannie Mae

Homeowners whose mortgage is owned by Fannie May may quality for relief solutions like a forbearance plan or loan modification. Look up your mortgage here and learn more about disaster recovery for both homeowners and renters here. 

Free Permit Pre-Screening Available for Residential Applicants

The City of Spokane is working with Permavia to provide residential permit applicants with free access to its Intake Completeness service for one year.

 

The voluntary service allows applicants to review their permit materials for missing documents and other completeness issues before submitting an application to the City.

 

Use of Permavia does not replace the City’s permitting process. Applicants will continue to submit directly to the City, which retains responsibility for official permit review and approval. Learn more here.

The Road to Rebuilding

With the completion of the EPA's Household Hazardous Material removal, the City of Spokane has updated the rebuilding information on the Wildfire Information website.

Resources

Wildfire Relief Still Available Through Goodwill

Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest wants to connect with families and individuals displaced by the Spokane Complex Fires.


The City of Spokane has contracted with Goodwill to connect wildfire survivors with Wildfire Housing Assistance Funds. These funds can be used for, but not limited to:

  • Lease or rent payments
  • Hotel/motel expenses for temporary housing
  • Move-in costs
  • Monthly rent
  • Costs for securing housing


Eligibility has now increased to households under 140% AMI. To access help, fill out and submit a pre-application via the QR code below or visit discovergoodwill.org. 

Books for Hope and Healing After the Fires

While our community has reached the three-month mark after the fires, many have begun the road to recovery. Here is a booklist to help kids, teens, or adults cope with the grief and trauma that follows a tragedy. Browse the list here.

Twilight Bedding

As Spokane recovers from the recent wildfires, locally made Twilight Bedding is helping affected households restore a safe, comfortable place to rest. Twilight Bedding is offering up to a 20% discount on mattresses, bed frames, and pillows for affected households and first responders. Mention the Spokane Community Recovery Offer when calling or visiting. Click here for more information.

Spokane Tenant Disaster Relief Hotline

KCBA Housing Justice Project has opened a Spokane Tenant Disaster Relief Hotline at 509-214-6226. They are providing legal services, referrals to community resources, and more. Click here to fill out an online intake form.

Disaster Recovery Counseling

Money Management International (MMI) is offering post-disaster financial recovery counseling and personalized assistance for disaster survivors through Project Porchlight. Project Porchlight has four main components: developing your recovery plan, applying for FEMA aid and insurance payments, monthly support from your recovery specialist, and continuing education and encouragement. Visit the MMI website for more information.

City of Spokane Wildfire Information Page

The City of Spokane has a wildfire information page to help our community navigate this difficult time. Here you will find resources for evacuees, tips for returning home, frequently asked questions about city services, ways to help, cleanup efforts, and information on rebuilding as it becomes available. 

Community Resource Website

We ask that everyone in our community visit SpokaneCommunityResources.org to connect with any of the following: 

  • Impacted families seeking resources
  • Organizations providing support or seeking volunteers
  • Community members interested in volunteering or donating
  • Business leaders seeking resources

Alert Spokane

Register for ALERT Spokane

Register for ALERT Spokane to receive emergency alerts. You can sign up to receive alerts at multiple phone numbers and get a call or text, or you can get a notification via email. To register, visit SCEM.org, and the form is on the page. If you prefer to hear the message in your native language, there are many language options to choose from. 

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