EWU News

Spokane Complex Fire Support Updates For the EWU Community

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Many Eastern Washington University employees, students and alumni have been affected profoundly by the Spokane Complex Fires devastating large swaths of Spokane County. EWU’s leadership is monitoring the situation closely and evaluating the best avenues to support the Eagle family and the broader community. Please watch this page for updates and additional resources to navigate this difficult time. The following resources are available for initial assistance.

  • Students who need resources should contact Student Accommodations and Support Services, and those enrolled in summer classes should contact their instructors directly for any necessary modifications.
  • Faculty and staff impacted by the fires should contact their supervisors for assistance. Human Resources is also available to answer any questions. Of course, we know that such natural disasters can have a profound impact and take an emotional toll on those who aren’t directly affected as well. As a reminder, EWU offers an Employee Assistance Plan and other resources to help all come to terms with what’s happening to our greater community.
  • Faculty members who have academic-related questions or concerns may contact the Provost’s Office.
  • Broader community resources include the SREC Evacuation Map and the American Red Cross. Anyone who has questions about community resources can contact Summer Warfield at Eastern Washington University Police.

 

Aug. 14, 2026 UPDATES

Eastern’s Washington University’s HR team recently provided the latest information about wildfire leave.

Cesar Portillo, vice president for people and culture, sent an email to all EWU employees with the latest guidance. Portillo’s email shared that employees who have experienced extraordinary or severe impacts from a wildfire disaster may request up to 24 hours of paid wildfire leave per wildfire event. Qualifying circumstances include:

  • Being subject to a Level 3 Evacuation Order
  • Experiencing significant damage to or loss of a home due to a wildfire disaster

To learn more, please access Portillo’s email update online. In addition, you can access HR’s updated FAQ page here.

 

Aug. 11, 2026 UPDATES

GUIDED MEDITATION, STRESS-RELIEF SESSIONS OFFERED: Sanmeet Kaur, an associate professor of computer science and cybersecurity at EWU, is offering free guided meditations and stress-relief sessions, in an effort to help those coping with the recent wildfires. Kaur, who also is a Certified Breath Work, meditation and yoga instructor, has late-morning sessions and early-evening sessions available currently via Zoom. To sign up, go here.

 

EWU’S HR TEAMS ISSUES FAQ: A number of questions have emerged from faculty and staff in the wake of the Spokane Complex Fires. In response, Eastern’s HR team has assembled a list of frequently asked questions with answers. Read it here.

 

Aug. 10, 2026 UPDATE

STANDING TOGETHER AS AN EWU COMMUNITY: Eastern President Shari McMahan reflects on the past week, lauding EWU employees and calling for grace in light of the wildfires that have devastated the Spokane area, neighboring counties, and reservations. Read her all-campus message in its entirety here.

 

AUG. 5, 2026 UPDATES

EWU PLANS EMPLOYEE LISTENING SESSION: EWU is holding an open forum and listening session for faculty and staff from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, in Tawanka 215 B/C. There is also a Zoom option available at this link, for those who would like to watch.

The forum will include wildfire status updates and information about the university’s response and support efforts and how to access support and resources. It will also include ideas for how you can help. The session will also include an open forum with a Q&A.

WILDFIRE FORUM FOR STUDENTS SET: Students impacted or concerned by ongoing wildfires can ask questions and learn about available resources during an upcoming forum.

“Supporting Students During Wildfire Season: Resources, Questions & Community” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, via Zoom. The link will be posted once it is available.

Lea Jarnagin, vice president for student affairs, will facilitate the forum. A panel of department representatives will share information and answer questions about academics, finances, housing, displacement, basic needs, well-being, and other areas of support for students.

 

AUG. 5, 2026 UPDATES

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ARISES: Eastern Washington University’s Office of Community Engagement is organizing volunteer opportunities for Eags who want to help those affected by the Spokane Complex Wildfires, with the first such volunteer event scheduled for tomorrow.

For the first volunteer effort, Community Engagement is looking for 10 people to help sort donations 2-4 p.m. tomorrow, Aug. 6, at Maddie’s Place, at 1004 E. Eighth on Spokane’s lower South Hill. Volunteers can sign up here.

Mark Este, director of Community Engagement, says that while Maddie’s Place is focused on maternal and newborn health, not disaster relief, it has a large inventory of donated goods and is offering those to organizations assisting wildfire victims. EWU volunteers will be helping to sort those donations so they can be distributed appropriately.

As envisioned, the Maddie’s Place volunteer effort will be first opportunity in an ongoing effort to support those affected by the wildfires, Este says.

“There’s a huge push right now, but the need for relief won’t end this week, next week, or anytime soon,” Este says. “Eastern has a place in providing that relief, and we’re trying to learn what that place is right now.”

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION IS STILL ON, BUT OVERNIGHT OPTION IS CANCELED: Eastern Washington University is eager to welcome incoming Eagles for New Student Orientation (NSO) activities.

Unfortunately, due to health and safety concerns related to poor air quality caused by the Spokane-area wildfires, the overnight portion of the NSO for Thursday, Aug. 6, is being canceled.

The changes were made after careful consideration determined that air conditions are not safe for the planned overnight activities, which include an outdoor EWU Bike Tour, cornhole and s’mores.

The Friday, Aug. 7, orientation activities will continue, although with slight modifications. This is possible because most of the Friday program is held indoors. The outdoor walking tours across campus will not be held and the morning refreshments will be provided at an indoor location. Masks will also be provided to support the health and wellness of our students and their families.

We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff and appreciate your patience as we work to keep everyone safe.

Eastern looks forward to hosting our incoming students for a variety of fun outdoor games and activities this fall during Welcome Week.

 

AUG. 4, 2026 UPDATES

EWU PROVIDES TEMPORARY LIVING QUARTERS FOR FIRE VICTIMS: Eastern Washington University has opened its residence halls to those affected by the Spokane Complex Wildfires, providing temporary shelter during this time of crisis. Those offered housing include EWU faculty, staff and students, as well as affected families connected to Fairchild Air Force Base. Read more HERE.

INDOOR REC FACILITIES MADE AVAILABLE DUE TO AIR QUALITY: With the smoky conditions predicted to persist for the rest of the week and many events being canceled in the community, Eastern Washington University is making some facilities in the University Recreation Center available to use free of charge.

EWU faculty and staff who need a place to walk but don’t have a URC membership can use the facility’s indoor track 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Friday, Aug. 7. The ice skating rink at the URC will be made available to the entire Cheney community 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the rest of this week as well.

WILDFIRE SMOKE PRECAUTIONS AND PROTOCOLS: Due to the Spokane Complex Fires, our campus and surrounding areas are currently experiencing reduced air quality caused by wildfire smoke.

EWU’s Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) team is closely monitoring local Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and working with regional health and emergency officials to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff. We encourage you to take the following steps:

  • Check Air Quality: Monitor real-time local air quality levels via AirNow.gov or your mobile weather app before heading outdoors.
  • Limit Your Time Outdoors: If you work outdoors, contact your supervisor about possible adjustments or an N95 mask. Additional N95 masks are available from EH&S.
  • Visit the EH&S Website: Review the training materials and learn of additional guidance.

Supervisors of employees who work outdoors must review this information carefully with their teams and should contact EH&S at envhea@ewu.edu or 509.359.6496 for more guidance. Your health and safety remain our top priorities.

 

AUG. 3, 2026 UPDATES

SHOWERS ARE AVAILABLE: Faculty, staff and students impacted by the fires can access the showers at the University Recreation Center, at 1007 Elm, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. The URC is closed on Sunday.  Towels are available if needed at the customer service desk, which is located near the ice rink on the center’s first floor. Contact Travis Allen with any questions at Tallen16@ewu.edu.

SOCIAL MEDIA TO WATCH: Eastern Washington University Dean of Students Samantha Armstrong Ash is providing valuable updates and information through her Instagram channel. You can follow her here.

FURTHER GUIDANCE FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: The Washington State Employment Assistance Program has issued the following information for  the Wildfires in Spokane/Eastern WA: SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

Suggestions for Caring for Yourself and Loved Ones

  • Acknowledge your thoughts and emotions. It is common to experience a wide range of emotions following a disaster. Avoid self-talk about what you “should” be feeling.
  • Reach out to family, friends, and community. Talk with trusted people in your life about how you are doing. Seek support from your community and faith-based resources, if applicable.
  • Set boundaries around when and how often you consume media. Constant access to news and social media means that we can easily become overloaded by bad news. You might make a conscious choice not to watch the news right before bedtime. You might decide to leave your phone charging in another room, so you don’t check social media during a meal, at work, or from bed. You may want to set a timer and limit access to newsfeeds to limited blocks of time.
  • Identify things within your scope of influence. It is easy to feel helpless in overwhelming situations, so it can be useful to focus on what you can do. How can you most directly and positively make an impact? This could include actions like donating to a credible relief organization, checking in on someone you feel concerned about or volunteering with a relevant cause or group.
  • Take care of your physical health. Remember to move yet be conscious of the air quality that surrounds you. It’s not just that exercise can help us feel physically better. Trauma tends to “get stuck” in our bodies and choosing to move can help shift hard feelings. Try any movement that works for your body. Eat healthy foods and get adequate sleep and rest when you can.
  • Be gentle with yourself. Know that you are not alone in experiencing strong reactions to these events. Don’t despair if you are having a hard time concentrating at work or keeping your cool with your partner or kids. What’s one thing you can do to be kind to yourself today?
  • Seek out and use supportive resources. Ask for support and help from the people, places and programs that are helpful to you.

Resources

Articles as Resources

Crisis Support

Mental Health Crises

The below resources provide support when you or someone you care for is in crisis.

Substance Use

Stress can result in unhealthy ways of coping, including alcohol and substance use. Below are some resources to get support.

SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES DURING ONGOING FIRES, A LETTER FROM EWU HUMAN RESOURCES: As the wildfire situation continues to impact our community, we want to remind everyone of the importance of leading with empathy, flexibility, and support during this time.

Please be mindful that employees may be facing a variety of challenges, including poor air quality, evacuation concerns, school or childcare disruptions, transportation issues, power outages, or stress related to family and loved ones. When operationally feasible, we encourage supervisors to be flexible with scheduling, work arrangements, and time-off requests as employees navigate these circumstances.

Please also take the time to check in with your team members and encourage open communication about any challenges they may be experiencing. A simple conversation can go a long way in helping employees feel supported.

Employees who need assistance should be reminded of the resources available to them, including:

  • The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (Code EWU), which provides confidential support and counseling services.
  • Available leave and time-off options (may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).

Most importantly, please encourage your teams to take care of themselves and each other. During times like these, compassion, understanding, and teamwork make a significant difference.

If you have questions about how to support an employee, need guidance on workplace accommodations or leave options, or are dealing with impacts within your own team, please don’t hesitate to reach out to HR. We are here to help.

Thank you for your leadership and for supporting our employees during this challenging time.

 

Aug. 2, 2026

INITIAL GUIDANCE IN LIGHT OF THE SPOKANE COMPLEX FIRES: Our thoughts are with all affected by the wildfires that are decimating many neighborhoods in the greater Spokane community and throughout Eastern Washington, and we stand ready to support students, faculty, and staff who have been affected by the tragic events of recent days.

We understand the series of events are still developing, and we will monitor the situation closely, ready to provide any new details related to support for those affected by the fires and their aftermath. Please prioritize your health and safety during this time. Employees who are impacted by the wildfires should contact their supervisors when time allows to explore options, and supervisors are encouraged to exhibit grace and flexibility in these stressful times.

Already, EWU is coordinating with emergency agencies that are responding to the fires on potential resources that we can provide for first responders and emergency response units.

Also, EWU is hosting large supply trailers of American Red Cross supplies in support of the wildfires. Those trailers hold additional cots, blankets, hygiene kits, clean kits, shovels, rakes, gloves, masks, buckets and ash sifters. Such supplies are now being distributed in Spokane, Okanogan, and Stevens counties from the base at the Cheney campus.

In addition to assisting first responders and the broader community, we are taking inventory for highest needs and directing those most profoundly affected in our community.

We recognize this is a difficult time for all and remind everybody to have grace and exhibit kindness to each other in the coming days. We’ve navigated tragedy as one in the past, and we will persevere—together—again.

 

 

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