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State of Emergency · August 13, 2026

Spokane School Districts Declare State of Emergency After Wildfires

Spokane Public Schools and Mead School District have both declared a state of emergency to accelerate recovery and cleanup efforts following the devastating Spokane Complex Wildfires that swept through the area on August 1, 2026.

Impact of the Fires

• 🏠 Approximately 167 Spokane Public Schools students and 48 staff members lost their homes, including 44 at Indian Trail Elementary and 38 at Shadle Park High School.
• 🏫 None of the district's school buildings suffered direct structural fire damage, but smoke, ash, and particulates have affected some schools.
• 📍 Six Mead district school buildings were within 1.5 miles of at least one of the three fires.

Emergency Measures

State of emergency declarations allow both districts to request waivers from the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and other state agencies, and to enter into contracts for recovery and cleanup funding.

• 📅 District leaders are prioritizing keeping all schools open for the start of the school year on August 26, 2026.
• 🔬 Spokane Public Schools is awaiting final environmental test results in affected schools — preliminary results are promising.

Community Support

• 🤝 Shadle Park High School hosted a Disaster Assistance Center with over 1,000 visitors in its first two days, providing resources and support to impacted families.
• 🎒 Spokane Public Schools extended a free emergency camp for children ages 4+ at Shadle Park High School through August 12, 2026.

Next Steps

Districts are coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to ensure safety, stability, and access to resources for affected families. Environmental and structural safety checks will continue until all schools are deemed safe for in-person learning.

If you are a Spokane or Mead district family affected by the fires, check your district's official communications for updates on safety, resources, and recovery services.

Community Relief · August 7, 2026 — Church News / Christine Rappleye

Church Sends 3 Semitrucks of Supplies to Eastern Washington to Help Wildfire Evacuees

Church's United States West Area presidency shares gratitude for emergency responders, invites all to join in prayer and service.

As three different fires in eastern Washington state have burned hundreds of buildings and caused thousands of residents to evacuate near Spokane, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members have been serving and providing support to those affected.

The Church is sending three semitrucks of relief supplies to Spokane — one carrying water and two carrying food. Local leaders and members are coordinating temporary housing, meals, pastoral care and other assistance as needs arise.

"Local Church leaders are working closely together with Church headquarters to identify needs and provide both temporal and spiritual support. The Church has designated emergency response funds, and throughout the Inland Northwest, stakes are supporting trusted community organizations and nonprofits that are providing shelter, food and essential supplies."
— U.S. West Area Presidency

The Spokane Wildfire Complex

• 🔥 Three fires: the Old Trails Fire (largest), Autumn Lane Fire, and Fairview Fire — collectively the Spokane Wildfire Complex.
• 🏚️ At least 850 buildings destroyed since the fires started the weekend of August 1, 2026.
• 🚗 More than 67,000 people have been evacuated.
• 🛡️ Firefighters have established containment lines around all three fires and are focused on reinforcing them.

Community Response

Many Latter-day Saints have opened their homes to displaced families and have been assisting with evacuation and relief efforts throughout the region, including those in the Spokane Washington North Stake and Spokane Washington Mount Spokane Stake.

"We continue to pray for all those whose lives have been disrupted by these devastating fires. We are especially grateful for neighboring stake presidents and members who immediately opened their meetinghouses and communities to shelter displaced members and provide Christlike care during this difficult time."
— President Ronald D. Hardy, Spokane North Stake

How You Can Help

Service opportunities are available at JustServe.org, a free platform where community organizations list their needs and volunteers find opportunities nearby.

Donations can be made through these established organizations:

• City of Spokane
• Spokane Community Resources
• LDS Humanitarian Fund
• American Red Cross
• The Salvation Army

"We are grateful for the courageous efforts of first responders, volunteers and community leaders. We invite everyone to join us in prayer and in service." — U.S. West Area Presidency

Diocese of Spokane · August 4, 2026 — Daniel Payne

Spokane Bishop Daly Calls for Prayers Amid 'Devastating' Wildfires in Washington State

Bishop Thomas Daly of Spokane, Washington, is urging prayers and support for those affected by major wildfires near the diocese and throughout Washington state. Data from the Washington state government as of Aug. 4 showed more than a dozen large fires throughout the state with more than 13,500 acres burned since July 31 — and more than half a million acres burned to date in 2026.

Several large fires were burning mostly north and west of Spokane. The blazes have consumed hundreds of structures and forced thousands of local residents to evacuate.

"Join me in praying for our neighbors who have been forced to evacuate, those who have lost homes or property, and all whose lives have been disrupted by these fires."
— Bishop Thomas Daly, Diocese of Spokane, Aug. 3 letter to the diocese

Full Scale of the Crisis 'Yet to Unfold'

Speaking to EWTN News on Aug. 4, Bishop Daly said he and Vicar General Father Darrin Connall toured parts of the devastated region on Aug. 3. Unlike past wildfires that consumed countryside and forest, this disaster leveled block after block of residential homes.

'We're Not Equipped to Fight These Fires'

Shane Stocking, fire chief of South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue, described the region's "apocalyptic devastation" to EWTN News. The fires are wind-driven and unpredictable — spreading half a mile or more ahead of themselves.

"It's picking and choosing. It's not casually running up to houses. It's ember- and wind-driven. It's spreading half a mile or more ahead of itself and picking homes to ignite."
— Fire Chief Shane Stocking

As of Aug. 4, firefighters estimated they had stopped the forward progression of the fires — though the fires were not yet out or contained. Stocking urged all homeowners nationwide to make their homes defensible, clear brush, and be ready to evacuate — pointing to the 2025 Palisades fire and the 2023 Lāhainā fire as examples of a "new normal."

Arson Arrest

On Aug. 3, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of a 37-year-old local man on arson charges in connection with the Old Trails Fire — which started Aug. 1 and has burned approximately 3,600 acres west of Spokane.

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington has set up an emergency fund to provide essential supplies, housing, and long-term assistance to those affected — including some of its own clients, residents, and staff.

"This is a moment where we are asking for our entire community to lean in with us during this very difficult time."

"Even amid tragedy and uncertainty, Christ remains with us. May he bring comfort to those who are suffering, strength to those serving on the front lines, and peace to every anxious heart."
— Bishop Thomas Daly, Diocese of Spokane