Our Community Through the Wildfires
This past week has tested our community in ways few of us could have imagined. The Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires have burned across thousands of acres, forced tens of thousands of our neighbors to evacuate, and destroyed hundreds of homes throughout the Spokane area. Behind every acre and every statistic is a family, a memory, a home.
At Collection Spokane, real estate is more than transactions — it's about people, homes, and the neighborhoods we all share. So before anything else, we want to say plainly: our hearts are with everyone affected by these fires, and with the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers working tirelessly to protect our community.
A Community That Shows Up
If the past week has shown us anything, it's the strength of Spokane. Neighbors have opened their homes to evacuees. Local businesses have donated supplies. Volunteers have shown up at shelters, and complete strangers have offered rides, meals, and a place to stay to people they'd never met before.
That spirit is what makes this community worth investing in, worth protecting, and worth rebuilding — together.
Resources for Those Affected
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the fires, here are places to turn:
- American Red Cross — shelter and evacuation support: (509) 783-6195
- Washington State Wildfire Resources — a comprehensive list of state and local assistance programs shared by the Governor's Office
- Spokane County Emergency Management — for real-time evacuation zone updates and alerts
If you've been evacuated or have lost property, remember to photograph damage before cleanup when it's safe to do so, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible, and keep records of any emergency expenses.
What This Means Looking Ahead
Rebuilding will take time. For many families, that will mean navigating insurance claims, temporary housing, and eventually, decisions about whether and how to rebuild. For our broader housing market, the loss of hundreds of homes will likely be felt for some time to come — something we're watching closely and will continue to communicate about honestly and thoughtfully.
Our team remains committed to supporting our clients and our community through this. Whether you're facing decisions about your own property, searching for a place to land, or simply trying to make sense of what's changed, we're here.
How You Can Help
- Donate to the American Red Cross or a local relief fund
- Check on neighbors, especially those who may be elderly or without family nearby
- Avoid non-essential travel near active fire areas so emergency crews can do their work
- Support local businesses that have been affected
Spokane has weathered hard seasons before, and we've always come back stronger — because of the people who make this community what it is. We're grateful to be part of it, and we're here for our neighbors every step of the way.
If you have questions about how the wildfires may affect your home, your listing, or your search for a new place to live, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
