City of Spokane

Community Update

August 4, 2026

Message from the Mayor

Our community has been deeply impacted by the Spokane Complex Fire. If you are directly impacted by loss and evacuation, please know that our hearts are with you. 


Thank you to our first responders who have been working tirelessly since this emergency started.


I want to thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, for approving disaster relief assistance here in Spokane. FEMA approved federal assistance to reimburse Washington State for 75% of eligible costs such as evacuations, emergency shelters, emergency food and water, and search and rescue operations.  


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


I hope you and your families are safe. Please take care of one another. 

Spokane Complex Fire

For the most up-to-date evacuation information, visit the Spokane County Emergency Management evacuation map.


Language Access

Register for ALERT Spokane to receive emergency alerts in your preferred language. To register, visit SCEM.org, and the form is on the page. 


Evacuation Services

A fire evacuation shelter is open at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd. Free parking in the garage. Pets are welcome.


The Spokane County Fairgrounds are open to livestock and larger animals. RV space and trailer parking are available.


Safety Reminders

Please stay out of the level 3 evacuation areas unless you are a resident evacuating. These areas remain extremely dangerous. Fire conditions can change rapidly, streets may be blocked without warning, burst gas lines are actively burning, and heavy smoke creates additional hazards.


Reminder for motorists. When the power’s out, everybody stops. Intersections that do not have power should be treated as a four-way stop.


Resources to Help

Resources are available across the Spokane region for people impacted by wildfire evacuations, response, and recovery. We have compiled a list of evacuation services, self-care support, veteran services, drop-in childcare, and more. Click here for more information.


Elections

Ballots are due today, Tuesday, Aug. 4. If your ballot was lost or damaged in the fires:

  1. Sign in to your voter registration at VoteWA.gov
  2. Select Your Ballot & Voting Materials
  3. Select Get a Replacement Ballot
  4. Print the replacement ballot packet

More information for impacted voters can be found on the Spokane County website.

City Updates

Solid Waste Collections (garbage, recycling, food & yard waste)

The City of Spokane is adjusting services as the community responds to impacts of the Spokane Complex Fire.

  • Residential curbside and commercial solid waste collections will not occur in Level 3 evacuation zones.
  • Residential customers in the current Level 3 evacuation zones can put extra bags out on their normal collection days once their areas are downgraded and they can return. Additional bags of garbage will be accepted free of charge.
  • Residents who subscribe to Food and Yard Waste collection service should remove spoiled food from packaging before placing it in their green cart.
  • Customers who have collection carts damaged by the fire can have them replaced free of charge. They should report them to Spokane 311 by submitting a Start or Change Request at Spokane311.org. Indicate that your cart is missing or broken due to the fire.
  • Residential curbside and commercial solid waste collections in Level 2 and Level 1 evacuation areas are on their normal schedule.
  • The Waste to Energy Facility is operating as usual.

Visit our website for more information.


Water Service

The City has turned off water service to some properties in heavily impacted areas for various reasons, including running water, during initial response. As a result, once Level 3 evacuation zones are downgraded and residents return to their homes, they may not have water service. To restore water service if it is shut off, please contact Spokane 311 by phone or online.


The City's water system has maintained fire response levels and pressure zones, while continuing to distribute water to households despite system damage and obstacles in heavily impacted areas from the wildfires. Crews are actively in the field assessing the system and properties to maintain system efficiency and testing water quality. Clcik here to learn more.


Streets & Trees

The Street Department has driven most of the impacted areas within the City of Spokane. While they have not received many reports of debris in the right of way, there have been reports of large trees that have been damaged by the fire and deed to be assessed and possibly removed. Please report compromised trees that could impact the right of way to Spokane 311 so the Urban Forestry team can be notified. More information on our website.


Parks Update

Our hearts are with people impacted by the Spokane Complex Fire, our first responders, and the entire community. Some of our spaces and programs are impacted by the fire, evacuations, and air quality. For the latest updates, follow us on social media or call Spokane 311. If you are enrolled in a recreation program that is impacted, you will be contacted via email with more information. When air quality and staffing allow, we are operating programs. In Parks & Recreation, we want to provide positive activities that keep us together in community, bring something to look forward to in difficult times, and give some hope for brighter days ahead. 


Spokane Public Library Resources

Spokane Public Library is open 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday and 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. The library offers a safe place to be with access to clean air, space to charge devices, WiFi and computer access, and playspaces for children.

  • Central, Liberty Park, South Hill are fully open and operational. 
  • The Hive is fully operational but accessed by reservation only.
  • Shadle Park Library and Hillyard Library are open regular hours, but internet and printing are currently unavailable. You can still check out items from these locations and use the space. 
  • Indian Trail Library will remain closed until further notice.
  • The Five Mile Kiosk is closed until further notice.

Visit www.spokanelibrary.org for more information.


Municipal Court Update

Earlier in the week, the City of Spokane’s Municipal Court paused operations in response to the ongoing Spokane Area Fire. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 5, the courts will resume normal operations. Click here to learn more.

Help Your Neighbors!

As the Spokane community continues to face the devastating impacts of local wildfires, you can help your neighbors. To find more ways to donate or volunteer, visit our website.

Volunteer

American Red Cross Northwest Region is looking for volunteers. Fill out a volunteer application here.


SpokAnimal is looking for volunteers to foster displaced animals. Click here to learn more.

Monetary Donations

The City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund has been activated to accept donations for community members impacted by the Spokane Complex Fire. This fund will stay 100% local with all funds and resources deployed directly to the Spokane community. This includes but is not limited to: short- and long-term rent assistance, document recovery fees, furniture and basic household items, transportation, necessary personal medical equipment, diapers, formula, clothing, and more! Donate online, by phone or by mailing a check.


The Innovia Foundation is accepting donations to support nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by wildfires in our region.


Catholic Charities has set up an emergency fund to help support individuals and families. Your donation will help their Emergency Response team provide essential items, housing, counseling, support, and short/long term assistance to those impacted by this devastating fire.


American Red Cross Northwest Region is collecting donations for people affected by wildfires in Washington.

Donate Goods

Second Harvest is accepting non-perishables at 1234 E Front Ave. through Friday, Aug. 7, daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 


Partners INW is collecting donations at 10814 E Broadway Ave. Donations of non-perishable food, clothing, diapers, and hygiene items are needed. 


Spokane Humane Society is collecting pet supplies at its main campus, 6607 N Havana St.


SpokAnimal is collecting pet supplies at 710 N Napa St.


Project Beauty Share is collecting donations at 2718 E Sprague Ave. They are looking for hygiene products: toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, soap, razors, lotion, deodorant, hair brushes, combs, lip balm, etc.


Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage is accepting donations in their Fire Emergency Donation Bins at the following locations:

  • Thrift Store, 905 E Trent Ave.
  • St. Mark’s Church, 316 E 24th Ave.
  • Waste to Energy, 2900 S Geiger Blvd.
  • North Transfer Station, 22123 N Elk Chattaroy Rd.
  • Valley Transfer Station, 3941 N Sullivan Rd


Plato's Closet is accepting clothing donations at 13004 E Sprague Ave.

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. 

On the Bright Side

The City of Spokane's H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund has raised $178,000 as of 4 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 4. Thank you!

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