Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
This page will provide updates on the Spokane Complex fires that started Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, as well as other wildfires throughout Washington state, and the impacts to Department of Social and Health Services facilities, customers and employees.
Wildfires have destroyed homes and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. While no DSHS facilities or offices are within evacuation areas, many DSHS employees and people we serve have been directly impacted, including the loss of their personal possessions and property.
We are grateful to everyone who has stepped up to support one another during this challenging time. We will continue adding information as it becomes available. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and follow local guidance to stay safe.
You can follow Spokane Regional Emergency Communications for current information on the Spokane Complex fires, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Wildfire portal and Watch Duty for the status of other local wildfires.
Thank you.
Community resources
- Gov. Bob Ferguson's office has compiled a list of helpful resources for community members to monitor wildfires and to seek recovery assistance.
- Washington Military Department: Online Residential Damage Survey
- The Washington Health Care Authority has information and resources, including for Apple Health clients.
- DSHS' Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing can help people impacted by wildfires navigate emergency support systems.
- Sign Language Interpreting Contracts and Resources can support the state agencies if they are needing access to interpreter services
- Hard of Hearing Consultation and Resources has assistive listening devices in Spokane if agencies and providers need equipment to help communication at different buildings or check points or to replace equipment lost during a disaster..
- Additional resources from the Washington State Independent Living Council and Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning.
- Disability and Disaster Hotline: 800-626-4959 (call and text)
DSHS Mobile Office Teams
Our Mobile Office Team is in Spokane to help with wildfire recovery:
Spokane Disaster Assistance Center
noon - 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Aug. 7-9
Shadle Park High School
4327 N Ash St.
Spokane, WA 99201
Please stop by to get connected with services.
UPDATE 8/6/2026 - Food benefits replacement - Did you lose food bought with food benefits because of recent wildfires or power outages?
If people lost food bought with food benefits due to recent wildfires, DSHS might be able to replace some or all of its value. We will verify the disaster through a third party, such as the fire or police officials, utility company, or local media. If verified, we can replace benefits for the food destroyed up to the amount of your monthly allotment.
DSHS requested a waiver from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration to extend the time people in impacted areas can request replacement food benefits. This means more time for people whose lives are disrupted by wildfires to file claims and be approved for replacement benefits so they can feed their families. We are happy to say our waiver request was approved Aug. 6, 2026.
If you live in Benton, Chelan, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Whitman,and Yakima counties, including Tribal communities within these counties, and lost food due to wildfires or power outages that began on July 15, 2026, you have until Friday, Aug.14, 2026, to file a claim.
If you live in Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Walla Walla counties, including Tribal communities within these counties, and lost food due to wildfires or power outages that began on Aug. 1, 2026, you have until Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, to file a claim.
People in all other counties must file a claim within 10 days of food loss. To file a claim and request replacement benefits, please call 877-501-2233, visit a DSHS mobile office event or visit your local Community Services Office.