The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a series of fast-moving wildfires that have prompted widespread evacuations across parts of Washington, Oregon and neighboring states. Several large fires have threatened homes, businesses and critical infrastructure while producing hazardous smoke that has affected air quality across the region. Thousands of residents have been displaced, and firefighters continue working around the clock to contain active fires and protect communities.

Washington has been among the hardest-hit areas with more than 250,000 acres currently burning. In and around Spokane, a complex of fast-moving wildfires has forced the evacuation of approximately 60,000–67,000 residents, destroyed an estimated 600–700 homes and other structures and left thousands of people without power.

How to Help

As response and recovery efforts continue, the following organizations are actively providing emergency relief, medical assistance, shelter, meals and community recovery services to individuals and families affected by the Northwest wildfires.

Innovia Foundation, the community foundation for the Spokane region, established a Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund to support communities impacted by the Eastern Washington wildfires. The foundation is coordinating with local governments, local nonprofit organizations and disaster response partners to provide grants that address immediate needs such as emergency assistance and recovery, while also investing in longer-term rebuilding efforts. Inn ovia has committed 100% of donations into this fund going directly towards wildfire relief.

Direct Relief is responding to the Northwest wildfires by delivering emergency medical supplies, medications, N95 respirators and other essential health resources to hospitals, clinics and other local healthcare providers. Direct Relief works with medical partners to ensure patients and first responders have access to critical supplies.

World Central Kitchen is mobilizing to provide freshly prepared meals to evacuees, first responders and emergency personnel working in wildfire-affected communities. Partnering with local restaurants, food trucks and community kitchens, World Central Kitchen is able to quickly establish meal distribution operations while also supporting local business impacted by the disaster.

American Red Cross is supporting wildfire response efforts by opening emergency shelters, providing meals, distributing relief supplies and helping displaced residents find a safe place to stay. Volunteers are also assisting families with emergency financial assistance, reunification services and recovery planning following evacuations. The Red Cross’ established disaster response network enables it to rapidly scale operations as wildfire conditions change and additional communities are affected.

Salvation Army is providing food, water, emotional support and essential supplies to those affected by the devastating fires in Spokane and the surrounding affected region. The Salvation Army is not only providing immediate relief, but also accounting for recovery in the months ahead.

Second Harvest Inland Northwest is coordinating emergency food distribution and collecting donations to provide groceries and meals for families and individuals affected by the fires.

CCF fundholders who wish to support these efforts through their donor-advised fund may make grants directly on DonorConnect. For any donor inquiries, please contact your Relationship Manager or email DonorRelations@calfund.org.