SPOKANE, Wash. — The Red Cross is providing shelter for residents who have been forced from their homes as multiple wildfires burn in eastern Washington.
High winds combined with low relative humidity led to multiple new wildfires in both Washington state and North Idaho over Labor Day weekend.
Level 3 evacuations have been issued in some areas of eastern Washington, which means residents must leave immediately.
Virtual Temporary Evacuation Points have been established throughout the Region, according to the Red Cross.
People who have been evacuated and need help finding shelter should call one of these numbers depending on their geographic area:
- Okanogan, Douglas, Chelan, Spokane, Grant, Whitman Counties: 509-670-5331
- Yakima, Benton and Franklin Counties: 509-820-4170
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Cross cannot accept material donations of any kind. Storing, sorting, cleaning and distributed donated items could be especially risky.
Leaders said the best way to help people affected by disasters such as wildfires is to make a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit the Red Cross website, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Washington State Combined Fund Drive also has a list on member charities that help with wildfire relief on its website.
KREM 2, the American Red Cross and STCU are teaming up to help fire victims in our area. You can donate to the American Red Cross by donating at the American Red Cross online or to a local STCU drive-thru.
Those who donate online to the Red Cross can designate to a local chapter. When donating to the Red Cross Help 2 Northwest campaign, it will also stay in the area.
With monetary donations, the Red Cross can help provide for basic need sand begin the process of rebuilding our local communities devastated by wildfires this summer.
Staying at a Red Cross shelter is always free of charge.
Whitman County - Babbs Road/Malden Fire
The United Way of Whitman County is helping gather donations for those affected by the wildfires that burned through Whitman County.
Supplies needed include essential items such as deodorant, toiletries, packaged t-shirts, underwear, batteries, flashlights, garbage cans and bags. Small amount food and gas gift cards ranging from $25 - $50 are also in need for families affected.
As recovery efforts continue, permanent housing for families will be needed. A fire relief fund has been set up and can be accessed online by clicking here. People can also send donations to United Way of Whitman County, PO Box 426, Pullman, WA, 99163.
Donations can also be made at the following sites:
- Rosalia: Gifted Granny's Gift Shop; Rosalia Community Center; Rosalia Harvest Assembly Church; Rosalia Baptist Church
- Malden: Malden Community Center
- Colfax: Colfax Eagles, Main St. Colfax, 5-10 p.m.