EWU News

Spokane Complex Fire Support Updates For the EWU Community

August 3, 2026
A gray box that features the EWU logo with the word "Special" in red and "Update" in gray.

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. 3, 2026 UPDATE: 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 and 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.

 

AUG. 3, 2026 UPDATE: SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES DURING ONGOING FIRES, A LETTER FROM EWU HUMAN RESOURCES

Greetings EWU Supervisors and Leaders –

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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