The Old Trails Fire, part of a fast-moving cluster of blazes now known as the Spokane Complex, had burned more than 3,500 acres since erupting west of Spokane on the afternoon of Aug. 1, driving Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders across large sections of northwest Spokane.
According to the Spokesman-Review, as of the morning of Aug. 2, an estimated 640 structures had been damaged or destroyed, with the number expected to rise as assessment continues, and as many as 11,000 people remained without power Monday.
Gov. Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide state of emergency, activated the Washington National Guard, and issued a burn ban in effect through Sept. 30.
United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and partners are mobilizing to help those displaced by the fires, a news release from United Ways announced.
It is currently helping displaced people find temporary housing through a partnership with AirBnB, and has partnered with local United Ways and other organizations to get funds directly where families need them for immediate relief and recovery.
Additionally, United Ways have set up a Greater Spokane Recovery Fund. All proceeds will be used to help those affected by the wildfires in Spokane. Residents can donate at https://www.uwpnw.org/greater_spokane_recovery_fund. If residents would like to support efforts in other areas across the Pacific Northwest, they can give to the Disaster Recovery Fund at https://www.uwpnw.org/donate_disaster_recovery.
