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Wildfire Recovery Resources – 2026

Wildfire Recovery Resources – 2026

Along with our community, Spokane Colleges is transitioning from wildfire response to recovery. We recognize that for our impacted students and employees, recovery will take time. This page contains current information and resources for students and employees impacted by these fires.

Campus Status

  • July 31, 2026 – Suspended Operations declared for Inchelium Campus, due to fire activity in the area. The site is closed.
  • August 3, 2026 – All Spokane Colleges locations resume normal operations (except Inchelium), keeping flexibility for impacted employees and students at the forefront.
  • August 7, 2026 – Suspended Operations for Inchelium Campus lifted. The site has moved to remote operations and remains physically closed. Students may call (509) 863-2437 or email tami.desautel@scc.spokane.edu for assistance.
  • August 17, 2026 – Inchelium campus resumes normal operations. The location is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner - Educational Seminars

Recurring - Second Monday of Month: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p m., Spokane Falls Community College in Building 24, Room 110

  • 2026 Dates: September 14, October 12, November 9, and December 14
  • 2027 Dates: January 11, Feburary 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 13

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner is hosting a recurring series of educational seminars to support community members impacted by the fires. These seminars are open to ALL – including students, employees and the Spokane community.

Student Resources

The health, safety and wellbeing of our students comes first, before assignments, deadlines or any academic obligation. Our faculty have been asked to continue to be flexible with our students about coursework, attendance and other academic matters. We want you to know that support is available.

If you need flexibility with coursework, attendance, registration, or other academic matters, please check in with your instructor(s) or student services teams. We will work with you.

Spokane Community College Campus locations:

Spokane Falls Community College Campus locations  

Withdraw from classes

If you need to withdraw from your summer classes due to circumstances related to the wildfires, you may submit a Summer Quarter Withdrawal Exception Form through the end of Fall Quarter 2026

 

Library Technology Checkout

Need access to technology? The library has laptops, computers and Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout to currently enrolled students. Visit the library website for availability and checkout information.

 
 

Emergency Assistance

Currently enrolled students who need immediate financial assistance may apply through the Spokane Colleges Foundation Emergency Aid Program.

 

Mental Health & Wellness

Counseling and mental health services are available if you need someone to talk to:

 

Clothing, Housewares and More

All students are welcome! SFCC’s ‘New to You’ Boutique currently has clothing, bedding, dishes and glassware, children’s toys, curtains, overnight hygiene kits, a cool space with charging stations for electronic devices. SFCC Building 2 (library), Room 001 (basement) Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Email SFCC.BasicNeeds@sfcc.spokane.edu or call 509-533-3749 for questions.

 
 

Tribal Relations

Dr. Naomi Bender, Director of Tribal Relations, is available for support, guidance, and consultation at 509-434-5121 or email Naomi.Bender@ccs.spokane.edu

Employee Resources

In addition to our students, we know the wildfires have impacted many Spokane Colleges employees. We’ve assembled a list of resources (below) that we’ll expand as needs are identified.

For those employees who are impacted and unable to work, please reach out to your supervisor or Human Resources at hro@ccs.spokane.edu or (509) 434‑5040.

As we continue to identify and respond to these impacts, we’ve assembled a list of resources that we’ll expand as needs are identified.

 

Wildfire Disaster Leave

The Governor’s statewide wildfire emergency proclamation says, “an employer may allow up to 24 hours of leave with pay per occurrence to employees who are experiencing extraordinary or severe impacts of a wildfire disaster”. Examples include displacement from their home temporarily or permanently through evacuation, or significant damage or loss. This leave can be used in hourly increments, as needed. Check with your supervisor for more information.  

 

Campus “Caring Circle” Sessions

Spokane Colleges’ leadership is hosting a series of gatherings to support employees who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the wildfires. Each Caring Circle gathering will provide a space for employees to connect, share experiences, and learn about available resources.

Spokane Falls Community College

  • Dates:
    • August 13 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
    • August 26 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m..
  • Location: SFCC Cafeteria, Building 17, Room 107

Spokane Community College

  • Dates: 
    • August 20 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
    • September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
  • Location: SCC Building 6, Littlefoot Conference Room

Employees working at other Spokane Colleges locations are also invited to attend the Caring Circles at SCC or SFCC.

Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Spokane Colleges employees have access to free and confidential counseling through the EAP program. Call (877) 313-4455 or visit eap.wa.gov. This EAP flyer contains suggestions, support and resources for our Spokane/Eastern WA employees impacted by the wildfires in our region. 

 

Foundation for Working Families

Through the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC), this foundation maintains a disaster relief fund for eligible union members. Visit wslc.org/ffwf/ for more information. 

Community Resources

Spokane Community Resources

  • Website: SpokaneCommunityResources.org.
  • Find food, shelter, medical care, financial help, and more from local organizations.
  • The site is updated frequently.

Federal Government Resources

  • Website: Wildfires | Ready.gov
  • Official federal government resource for wildfire preparation and response.

Ways to Help

Financial Donations

  • For Students:
    • Emergency Aid – The Spokane Colleges Foundation Emergency Aid program is collecting financial donations that directly support currently enrolled SCC and SFCC students impacted by the wildfires. Donate to Emergency Aid for Students.
    • Gift Cards – The Cashiers Offices on the SCC and SFCC campuses are collecting gift card donations to provide immediate help to students with groceries, transportation and other essential needs. Suggested denominations: $25, $50 or $100. Recommended gift cards: Fred Meyer, Target, Walmart and prepaid Visa or American express cards.
  • City of Spokane – HOME Starts Here fund – accepting donations for community members impacted by the wildfires.
  • Innovia Foundation – Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund – providing immediate and long-term support to the non-profit organizations supporting fire victims.
  • Red Cross Washington Wildfires 2026 fund – Providing relief to people affected by wildfires in Washington
 

Food and Item Donations

 

Second Harvest

  • Location: 1234 E Front Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
  • Hours: Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to noon.
  • Website: 2-harvest.org
 

Partners Inland Northwest

  • Accepting donations of nonperishable food, clothing, diapers, and hygiene.
  • Location: 10814 E Broadway Spokane Valley, WA 99206
  • Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Website: partnersinw.org
 

Colville Tribal Wildfires

  • Accepting donations of
    • Bedding
    • Clothing
    • Baby supplies
    • Personal hygiene items
    • Pet & livestock supplies
    • Bottled water/electrolyte beverages
    • Reuseable duffle bags and backpacks
    • Totes and storage containers
  • Official Donation sites (daily donation hours 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
    • Omak Eagles Nest – 1168 Bull Rope St, Omak WA, 98847
    • Colville Service Center (Old Highware Tire) – 3041 State Hwy 155, Coulee Dam, WA 99116
 

Questions?

Call 509-434-5162.