Spokane Gets Much-needed Aid from American Red Cross

All images courtesy of American Red Cross.

August 26, 2026: After wildfires tore through Spokane, Wa., on August 1, the residents are beginning to make their way back to their neighborhoods. Many returned blessed to find their homes and businesses intact. However, for many others, their homes and belongings had been destroyed.

The American Red Cross has mobilized hundreds of disaster workers to aid residents returning to their homes, attempting to restart their lives. While authorities still warn that Spokane is a “hazmat situation,” the Red Cross has done their best to ensure Spokane residents have at least some semblance of normality after such a disaster. The organization has provided shelter, meals, health support, and distribution of relief supplies, including specialized wildfire safety equipment required for re-entry into damaged area.

Since the onset of the fires, more than 1,200 Red Cross disaster responders have operated in the region. Their efforts include serving approximately 19,800 meals and over 26,000 snacks, operating up to 62 shelters, providing more than 4,400 overnight stays, and distributing upward of 47,000 relief items.

Volunteers with Disaster Health Services provided assistance to individuals who lost vital medication, medical equipment, or eyeglasses during evacuation. The organization also distributed comfort kits containing basic personal hygiene items–toothbrushes, toilet paper, etc.

To ensure and help Spokane residents safely re-enter the area, the Red Cross coordinated with local fire departments to establish supply points near re-entry zones and along routes through fire-damaged areas. Wildfire kits were distributed to community organizations also stepping up to facilitate care residents who may not have directly contacted the Red Cross.

Said kits contain protective gear that include eye drops, work gloves, Tyvek suits, safety goggles, shoe covers, N95 masks, and hand sanitizer. Each kit includes plastic containers for storing and disposing of contaminated equipment after exposure to burn residue. The kits also provide self-heating meals, water, and snacks.

Help Beyond Spokane

While supporting recovery efforts in Spokane, the Red Cross continues to operate in multiple Western states, maintaining shelters in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington for communities affected by ongoing wildfires.

These efforts do not happen in isolation, and certainly are not independent of public support. If you wish lend your resources and time to relief efforts in Spokane and across the West, there are a few ways your help can prove most effective.

Local nonprofits are always in need of volunteers and those who are willing to donate what they can. Check in with the official Spokane Community Resources website to break down the ways in which you can help those most directly.

You can also check with your local Red Cross chapter for opportunities to assist in sorting supplies, managing donation centers, or supporting administrative functions.

The Bright Side

The people of Spokane continue to find their way back home. This will be a long journey, one that has reshaped the lives of those affected forever. This is when the power of empathy is so necessary. The teachings of Matthew ring so relevant in these times: ³⁵ For I hungered, and ye gave Me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me in; /³⁶ naked, and ye clothed Me; I was sick, and ye visited Me; I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.’

The Red Cross and the volunteers working to help Spokane’s citizens recover and heal walk with empathy, the will to work, and an underlying current of care that effuses across their efforts of support. Remember, you can always be the Bright Side you wish to see in the world.

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