Step 1 — Right now
What to do first
A fire can take a house, but not your future. The first moves are simple, and each one puts you back in control. Take them one at a time.
This week in recovery · week 7
Karen Worthy Memorial Grant — $10,000
Closes October 18 · Owners and renters both. One grant per destroyed primary home.
Washington Household Needs Grant — $750 to $2,250
No income test and no insurance test. Apply online, by phone through 211, or in person at S.C.O.P.E. North Station, 33rd E Lincoln Rd, Suite 203, Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
City planners at Shadle Park Library
Through October 2 · In person, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring anything you have about the property. After that date: 311, 509-625-6300, or PermitTeam@spokanecity.org.
my.spokanecity.org/wildfireinfo/rebuilding · Call 509-625-6300
EPA hazardous-material removal is finished
The next steps on a burned lot are your asbestos survey, then the Notice of Intent with Spokane Regional Clean Air. Neither one waits on your insurance settlement.
FEMA household assistance: not approved yet
The emergency declaration in place does not cover individual households. A Major Disaster Declaration has been requested. Nothing to apply for today — we will post it here the day that changes.
If you need help tonight
Somewhere to sleep, food, basics
Call 211 (or text your ZIP to 898-211). It's the free statewide line for shelter, food, and emergency help, 24 hours.
Call 211 →American Red Cross
Emergency shelter, financial assistance, and help replacing lost medication and eyeglasses.
1-800-733-2767 →Don't sign anything at the property
Contractors and 'claim consultants' will come to the site. Don't sign a contract, an assignment of benefits (a form that hands your insurance payout straight to a contractor), or anything else while standing in the ashes. Nothing legitimate expires today.
Then, to protect your claim
Open the claim
Write down name, time, claim number.
Ask for an ALE advance — in writing
Your policy pays for somewhere to stay while you are out of the house. Ask by email so there is a record.
ALE / Loss of Use = the part of your policy that pays for temporary housing, food, and the extra costs of not being at home.
Photo/video the lot before anyone touches it
Record the whole property, even where it looks like nothing is left. Once debris is hauled away it cannot be recreated.
Room-by-room contents list. Keep every receipt
Your belongings are a separate part of the payout from the building.
Call the mortgage servicer
The dwelling cheque often needs the lender on it.
Destroyed-property tax form 64-0003
Send it to the county assessor. Nobody sends a reminder.
Replace IDs via 211 / DOL
Then use the gap-check, or send us the declarations page
If you were renting
Both grants above apply to renters as well as owners, and your renter's insurance covers your belongings and your temporary housing. What you will not need is a rebuild estimate — that belongs to whoever owns the lot.
Watch for scams
- Check any contractor is registered before you sign — secure.lni.wa.gov/verify
- No large deposit before the permits are pulled.
- “Sign now or you lose the claim” is not a real thing. Hang up.
Official sources
- United Policyholders — 2026 Spokane fires
- City of Spokane — rebuilding after the fire
- Spokane Regional Clean Air — asbestos and demolition
- WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner — 800-562-6900
This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Always confirm details with your insurer or a licensed professional.
Not sure where your coverage stands?
The 2-minute coverage check gives you your own numbers to work from.