June 2026

Helping the Community Stay Informed with SREC's
Interactive Evacuation Map

During wildfires and other large-scale emergencies, one of the most common questions people have is simple: Am I in an evacuation zone?

While emergency alerts are sent through a variety of channels, not everyone receives those notifications. As a result, 911 often experiences a surge of calls from residents seeking evacuation information, adding to the workload during already busy incidents.

As a result, 911 often experiences a significant increase in calls from people simply trying to determine whether they are in an evacuation zone.

Innovating for improvement

To help address this challenge, SREC's GIS, Technology, and Fire Dispatch teams developed a live, interactive Evacuation Address Lookup Map in 2023 that allows residents to quickly search an address and determine whether it is located in or near an evacuation area. The goal was simple: provide the community with real-time access to critical information while helping reduce non-emergency calls to 911 so call takers can remain focused on life-safety emergencies.

The tool was originally being developed and tested in a beta environment when this summer's fires began. As the incidents grew and the need for public information increased, the application was reviewed and approved by field personnel and emergency management partners before being deployed for public use several days into the fire response. The community immediately embraced the resource.

Use during the Upriver Fire

During just two days of the Upriver Fire, the Interactive Evacuation Map recorded more than 722,000 visits—an average of more than 361,000 visits per day—demonstrating the tremendous demand for timely and accessible evacuation information during a major emergency.

Be prepared before the next emergency

Save the Interactive Evacuation Map link on your phone today, or download the SREC 911 Mobile App by searching "SREC 911" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app provides quick access to the Evacuation Map, emergency information, online reporting tools, and other resources that can help you stay informed and connected during critical incidents.

Our hearts go out to all those who are affected by the Upriver Fires...those who have lost their homes, their belongings, those who are displaced. Please know everyone at SREC is thinking of you.

Fireworks Reporting Returns July 1–5

As Independence Day approaches, Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) is once again offering residents a simple way to report nuisance fireworks activity. Fireworks reporting will be available July 1 through July 5, helping public safety agencies identify problem areas while keeping 911 lines available for true emergencies.

Residents can report nuisance fireworks through:


📱 The SREC 911 mobile app

💻 Spokane911.com

📞 Crime Check at (509) 456-2233

These reporting options are intended for non-emergency fireworks complaints, such as excessive noise, illegal use, or ongoing nuisance activity.

When Should You Call 911?

While many fireworks complaints can be handled through reporting tools or Crime Check, some situations require an immediate emergency response.

Call 911 if:

• There is fire or smoke at the scene
• Fireworks are causing a medical emergency or injury
• Fireworks are being aimed at people, homes, vehicles, or other structures
• Fireworks are being used in dry grass, fields, brush, or other vegetation that could ignite

Fireworks and Fire Danger

This year's Fourth of July arrives during another season of hot, dry conditions across Eastern Washington. Even a small spark can quickly ignite grass, brush, or other fuels, creating dangerous wildfire conditions.

Before using any fireworks, know your surroundings and have a water source readily available. Never use fireworks near dry vegetation, and never leave fireworks unattended after they have been lit. Used fireworks should be thoroughly soaked with water before being discarded.

Before You Light It: Know Spokane County's Fireworks Rules

Every Fourth of July, emergency responders see an increase in calls related to illegal fireworks, fires, injuries, and neighborhood complaints. Before celebrating, make sure you know the rules where you live.

Fireworks Are Illegal in Most of Spokane County

The sale, possession, and discharge of consumer fireworks are prohibited in:

• City of Spokane
• Spokane Valley
• Liberty Lake
• Millwood
• Cheney
• Unincorporated Spokane County

Violations can result in fines that generally exceed $500 per violation.

Limited Areas Where Fireworks Are Allowed

A few communities allow fireworks under limited circumstances and only on private property:

• Airway Heights: Fourth of July only
• Deer Park: Fourth of July and New Year's celebrations
• Medical Lake: Fourth of July only

Even in these jurisdictions, fireworks are not allowed on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and other public spaces.

PLEASE NOTE: Fire danger conditions and fireworks restrictions can change quickly. Residents should check with their local city, fire district, or other authority having jurisdiction for the most current information. SREC provides reporting and emergency communications services but is not responsible for establishing, updating, or communicating fireworks restrictions.

Bryce Leming Named APCO International
Information Technologist of the Year

We are proud to recognize Public Safety Systems Manager Bryce Leming for being named the 2026 APCO International Emergency Communications Center Information Technologist of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes the top public safety technology professional among APCO members across the world.

This achievement is especially significant because it marks the first time anyone from Spokane County has received this international honor. Bryce's leadership, technical expertise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to supporting 24/7 emergency communications have made a lasting impact on our organization and the communities we serve.

We are fortunate to have incredibly talented employees at SREC, and this recognition highlights what many of us already know—Bryce is truly among the best of the best. Congratulations, Bryce, on this well-deserved honor and for representing SREC and Spokane County on the international stage.