Approximately 779,000 acres (315,250.115 hectares) have burned in Washington state during the summer season, with more than 654,000 acres (264,664.41 hectares) actively burning during a 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 (UCC) churches and schools have not suffered damage caused by wildfires.

Washington governor, Bob Ferguson, declared a statewide emergency on August 1, activating the National Guard and deploying firefighters from a dozen states and other countries. He also claimed this is the most destructive fire in Washington’s modern history.

On Spokane’s outskirts, the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires—known collectively as Spokane Complex Fire—are all still burning, and after days of fighting the fire, are currently 97 per cent contained.

The North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) expressed heavy hearts for those experiencing loss, evacuation, insecurity, and uncertainty as the fires continue impacting Spokane and surrounding communities.

NPUC called the Adventist Church family to united prayer for those affected by the fires, hosting a prayer vigil via Zoom on August 7, praying for those who lost homes, and first responders and others who are bringing relief, comfort, and hope to the community. Local churches were invited to set aside local times to pray over those affected.

Additionally, Adventist Community Services and Disaster Response (ACS) personnel are 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.

To give, click the link 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 UCC Fire Response online, visit news.uccsda.org/fireoffering826

The original article was published on the North Pacific Union Conference news site. Numbers have been adjusted to reflect current fire status.