The Spokane Complex Fires have devastated neighborhoods, homes, businesses — and families — but now that the immediate danger is fading, it’s clear that the one thing the wildfires didn’t diminish was the spirit of our community.

As our community once again makes national news, the world is seeing what we have always known: Spokane is defined by its compassion and its quick, collective response to tragedy. 

As the smoke clears, the business community must transition from immediate relief to the long-term, strategic support required for a full recovery. 

We live and work in a region known for looking after one another. In a single day, community members, businesses, and organizations across Eastern Washington and North Idaho raised $1.55 million through the Innovia Foundation for relief efforts. 

Major institutions, including Washington Trust Bank, Wheatland Bank, STCU, Premera, and many others, have already stepped up with significant contributions. Other businesses such as No-Li Brewhouse and Windermere Real Estate have opened their doors and services to those in need. 

Looking ahead, we can draw from the lessons of the Gray and Oregon Road fires in 2023. We must be realistic: Recovery is measured in years, not weeks, and the road ahead involves a complex journey through insurance claims, debris removal, cleanup efforts, and the rebuilding of hundreds of homes and structures.

While many are eager to rebuild, we should expect permitting delays, as the sudden, massive increase in demand for permits, surveying, and other building services will inevitably stretch our city’s resources. Understanding and patience are vital for managing expectations and maintaining standards for a quality rebuild. And government agencies should do what they safely can to smooth the way for such permits.

In our business community, we’ll find the engine for recovery. Beyond financial donations, specialized expertise is needed now more than ever. If your firm specializes in engineering, excavation, surveying, or insurance restoration, your capacity to assist affected property owners is critical. We also must help educate the public on the importance of hiring registered, reputable contractors to protect our neighbors from unqualified operators and scams that frequently follow natural disasters. 

Lastly, we can share resources that provide vital information on everything from emergency shelter and food to replacing lost documents, such as birth certificates.

While our generosity is unmatched, there are ways we can be more strategic in our support.

Through verified giving, we can ensure funds reach those in need. Donors are urged to give through established, flexible organizations including the Innovia Foundation or the Red Cross Washington Wildfire Relief Funds. 

The Spokane Business Association is already developing policies to advocate for disaster assistance at local, state, and federal levels. As business leaders, lending your voice to these efforts to ensure our region receives the long-term resources it deserves matters. 

Rebuilding together works best when the stakes are highest. Whether your business is providing 500 meals to a local kitchen or offering specialized expertise, every act of service contributes to our collective resilience.

We will rebuild the same way we responded: together. 

In the weeks and months ahead, let us remain committed to those who have lost everything. The challenge is significant, but the strength of the Spokane community is greater.