Our hearts are heavy for those experiencing the trauma and tragedy of loss, evacuation, insecurity and uncertainty as fires continue to impact Spokane and its surrounding communities — in addition to major fires impacting people in Chelan, Inchelium, Athena, White Swan and other communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Currently, approximately 450,000 acres have burned in Washington State during the summer season, with more than 250,000 acres actively burning during the recent surge. More than 76,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, particularly around the Spokane area due to fast-moving blazes fueled by high heat and strong winds.
More than 700 primary dwellings were destroyed in Spokane County, and power outages affected about 10,000 customers. At this time, Upper Columbia Conference churches and schools have not suffered damage caused by wildfires.
Bob Ferguson, Washington governor, declared a statewide emergency on Aug. 1, activating the National Guard and deploying firefighters from a dozen states.
On Spokane’s outskirts, the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires — known collectively as Spokane Complex Fire — are all still burning and are all 0% contained, making this the most destructive fire in Washington’s modern history.
During times like these, the church has an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
So how can you help?
1. United Prayer: First of all, Adventist members throughout North Pacific Union will unite in prayer on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 via Zoom at 7 p.m. Together, we will pray for those who have lost homes, for first responders risking their lives and for all who are working to bring relief, comfort and hope to their communities.
We ask for God’s presence to be near each person and family impacted and to watch over the valiant firefighters and first responders as they do their work. We want to uplift everyone facing loss, evacuation, uncertainty and insecurity. We pray for God’s leading; that the fires will not only be contained, but extinguished; and that He will guide our response in the days, weeks and months ahead.
In addition to the Aug. 7 Zoom gathering, we invite churches to set aside a local time to pray for those affected by the Spokane fires and wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest — and for God’s protection and provision as fire season continues. This could take place in Bible study groups, during worship or as part of prayer meeting.
2. Financial Support: Secondly, our Adventist Community Services and Disaster Response personnel are already partnering with community agencies and organizations to provide comfort, practical assistance and hope to those affected.
“There is a tremendous amount of unseen work going into a well-coordinated response,” said Richie Brower, UCC director of community engagement. “We are grateful to all the agencies who are working tirelessly to serve our community in this crisis. We are eagerly preparing several opportunities for members to share and serve in the near future.”
UCC ACS is working alongside local churches, community partners and emergency response agencies to care for those affected. Your generosity will help provide practical assistance to individuals and families facing both immediate needs and the long road to recovery.
Every gift will be used to support disaster response efforts, including emergency assistance, cleanup and recovery. Needs do not end when the fires are extinguished — they continue for months and often years. Together, we can walk alongside our neighbors for as long as they need us.
Thank you for partnering with us to bring hope, healing and the love of Christ to those facing unimaginable loss. Your own conference's ACS is likely to need your financial support and/or volunteerism as fire season continues. Wherever you are located, together, we can serve our communities with compassion, hope and the love of Jesus.
To give, click below or mail your gift to:
Upper Columbia Conference
Attn: Adventist Community Services Disaster Response
3715 S. Grove Rd. Spokane, WA, 99224
Please designate your gift "NW Fire Response."
To financially support ACS Disaster Response online, visit news.uccsda.org/fireoffering826
Psalm 34:18–19 says, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” These comforting verses have been a great encouragement to many, and I hope that they are to you as well. The Lord is near those who are hurting. May His comfort, love and healing flow through us to all those around us.
So, let’s get started being the hands and feet of Jesus!
Plan to attend the Northwest Wildfire Prayer Gathering on Aug. 7 at news.uccsda.org/wildfireprayer826.
