Dear Friends and Neighbors,
My heart goes out to everyone who has had their lives upended as our community endures the most destructive wildfire event in Spokane’s history. As someone who has been evacuated since Saturday, I know how scary and unsettling it is to be forced to leave your home at a moment’s notice. Yesterday I spoke on CNN to help a national audience understand what our community is going through. You can watch that here or by clicking on the image below.
I’m collaborating hourly with other local, state, and federal leaders to help our community respond quickly and eventually heal, recover, and rebuild. I am especially grateful for the brave first responders battling the fires, saving lives, and protecting property. I am committed to working to get every possible dollar for recovery to our community we can find. Spokane is a community that shows up for each other and I know we will get through this together.
Resources available
I was pleased to see news this morning that the federal government has granted the governor’s request for an emergency declaration. The declaration allows our federal partners to mobilize resources and personnel to support our response and unlocks desperately needed resources. The wildfires remain active, and I encourage everyone to rely on official sources for evacuation notices, fire updates, and emergency information.
- Community resources: The city has compiled a list of resources available across the Spokane region for people impacted by wildfire evacuations, response, and recovery. The Spokane Public Library has also compiled a list of resources.
- Spokane County Emergency Management: Evacuation levels, maps, shelters, and official updates.
- Alert Spokane: Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your phone.
- Washington Department of Natural Resources: Current wildfire information and burn restrictions.
- Washington State Health Care Authority: Information on how to access health care and behavioral health services during wildfire-related disruptions.
Help for voters impacted by wildfires
Voters impacted by the wildfires still have options to participate in today’s primary election. You can obtain replacement ballot packets at the County Elections Office, 1033 W Gardner, today until 8 p.m.; or at the voter service center, Centerplace, 2426 N Discovery Place in Spokane Valley, today until 8 p.m.
Voters can also print a replacement ballot packet from votewa.gov by signing into your voter registration page, selecting “Your Ballot & Voting Materials,” then selecting “Get a Replacement Ballot,” and printing the ballot packet. (City of Spokane Library branches and Spokane County Library District branches can assist voters with internet access and printing.) Find more information here: https://www.spokanecounty.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/6155
Stay Strong, Spokane!
So many of our neighbors and friends have been severely affected by this tragic event. Some have lost nearly all their property and possessions. Others have been displaced and feel anxious and scared. Throughout the last few days, I’ve also witnessed the very best of our community as neighbors help neighbors in the face of dire circumstances. Spokane is a resilient community, and I will continue to do everything I can to support our response and recovery.
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram as we will be providing frequent updates and helpful information. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Marcus.Riccelli@leg.wa.gov.
It is an honor to serve you and Stay Strong Spokane!
Sen. Marcus Riccelli
