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Disaster Recovery

Spokane Area Wildfire Resources

As our community responds to the Spokane Complex Fire and prepares for the effects of wildfire across Eastern Washington, the Spokane Home Builders Association is committed to providing accurate information on rebuilding, finding a qualified contractor, and avoiding scams and further loss.

Please continue to follow this page regularly, as it will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

Help fund disaster recovery

SHBA is collecting funds for Spokane Wildfire Disaster Recovery through its Frame Your Future Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization as classified by the IRS Code. All contributions are eligible for charitable tax deductions. EIN: 91-1483985.

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Current Fire Information

On August 1, 2026, the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires, collectively called the Spokane Complex Fire, broke out in and around Spokane. Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency and a burn ban through September 30, Spokane County has declared a local emergency, and requests for federal disaster assistance are underway.

Conditions are changing quickly; rely on the official sources below for current fire status, evacuation levels, and recovery updates:

Spokane Complex Fire - Official Incident Information (InciWeb) – The official federal incident page for the Spokane Complex Fire, with current acreage, containment, closures, and updates from the incident management team coordinating the response.

Washington DNR - Current Wildfire Information – The Department of Natural Resources, the state's lead wildfire agency, maintains a live fire dashboard showing up-to-date information on wildfires affecting Washington, along with links to InciWeb and interagency briefings.

Governor's Washington Wildfire Resources – The Governor's Office compiles assistance for those affected by wildfires, including temporary housing and rental resources, business assistance through the Department of Commerce, agricultural loss reporting, and county-specific recovery contacts, including for Spokane County.

First Steps for Disaster Recovery

1. Stay Calm

Once the shock begins to wear off it's important for you to be strong and lead your family through this difficult time. Seek out help and support from friends and community members as soon as possible. Don't make rash decisions under pressure

2. Contact Your Insurance Agent BEFORE You Hire Any Contractors

Most agencies have a claims center that can be contacted 24/7/365. Seek out their help for next steps - especially if professional help is needed for clean-up and repairs. NEVER sign a contract for work from a company that approached you after the incident without checking their references.

Also, be sure you're dealing with a local, licensed, reputable business with the proper business insurance coverage versus the first person that approaches you and offers to help. Be very careful about paying any up-front deposits until you're 100% sure the decision to move forward with the selected contractor is the right one. The Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) maintains a searchable website list of all members. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also has helpful consumer resources.

3. Prevent Further Damage

It's very important for you not to ignore structures that are repairable. When it is safe to return home, make a detailed sweep of your home/property to make sure you can prevent additional damage from exposure to the elements. Consult with your insurance agent to see if they have specific recommendations or procedures. Tarps, ropes, plywood, and other items you may need can be purchased quickly at most discount and hardware stores. Again, it's very important to be safe and consider professional help if it's needed at this time.

4. Make Informed Decisions Related to Repairs Contracts and Costs

Always be cautious when you're vulnerable and upset. Talk to recommended contractors and make sure they understand how to work with your insurance company related to timelines, payments, etc. Also, don't be surprised if your basic homeowners insurance isn't enough to cover the actual cost for certain major repairs. If you find yourself unable to make your home identical to what it looked like before the damage, set a dollar amount to spend on quality repairs that make sense for your financial situation. However, don't just choose the contractor with the lowest price based on the price alone. Become comfortable with the entire scenario being proposed by each contractor you plan to hire.

5. Begin the Repairs

By now, many crazy things have probably happened. For major repairs or complete rebuilds, it's possible that weeks or even months have gone by. Continue to be strong and work with reputable people. When you're working with hired contractors, you can do your part to keep the work flowing by making selections in a timely manner for things like windows, doors, shingles, siding, cabinets, plumbing/lighting fixtures, flooring, etc.

Current News

Tips For Rebuilding or Repairing Your Home After a Wildfire

August 6, 2026

Wildfires have caused widespread damage across the Spokane area, affecting homes and businesses throughout our community. In response, the Spokane…

Read More

Don’t Get Scammed: Find A Qualified Contractor

August 6, 2026

Find A Contractor Today! There are thousands of legitimate, ethical contractors in business throughout Spokane. Unfortunately, there are also scam…

Read More
Woman holding head in hands outisde fire damaged home

Spokane home builders offer first steps for recovery

August 6, 2026

As Spokane homeowners start the long road to recovery from the damage or total loss of their homes, the Spokane…

Read More

Helpful tips

Demolition or Debris Cleanup

Before any debris removal can begin, you will first need to obtain an asbestos survey to check for the presence of asbestos.

  • Find more information from the Spokane Regional Health District about how to begin the process of cleanup or debris removal HERE.
  • Review Fire Demolition and Rebuilding FAQs from Spokane County HERE.
  • Our SHBA members want to help. Click HERE for a list of companies who can help with cleanup.
Find a Contractor

All of the members listed HERE are licensed, bonded, and insured. For more assistance, call (509) 532-4990.

Asbestos Testing

You can obtain an asbestos survey from an AHERA-certified building inspector. Click HERE for the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency-approved providers.

Disputes with your Insurance Company

If you are being denied coverage for asbestos testing or help with other cleanup efforts, contact the Office of Insurance Commissioner at 800-562-6900 or click  HERE to file a complaint.

Property Tax Relief

If your structure is a total loss, you may be eligible to receive some tax relief for the current year's property taxes. Contact the Spokane County Assessor's office at 509-477-3698 for more information, or download the Destroyed Property Form  HERE

Make a donation

Officials are urging donors to give through established, verified organizations, as disasters attract fraudulent fundraisers. Cash donations to the funds below are the most flexible way to help.

Volunteer to help

Those who want to volunteer should register through  Spokane County's Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) rather than self-deploying to affected areas.

Additional Resources 

 Stay Informed

SHBA Wildfire Disaster Recovery Fund

Help our community recover from the Spokane wildfires. Make a donation to support local relief efforts.

Donate Here
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