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Spokane: Disaster Assistance Center will open Aug 6 at Shadle Park High School

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~ Representatives from various organizations and agencies gathered at Shadle Park High School this afternoon to provide updates on the response efforts for the Spokane Complex Wildfire. The meeting was held to inform the community about the current situation and to offer support and resources for those affected by the devastating fire.

One of the major announcements made during the meeting was by Spokane County Commissioner Chris Jordan, who revealed that a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) will be opening at Shadle Park High School on Thursday, August 6th. The center will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 7th-9th. Commissioner Jordan emphasized that anyone impacted by the fires is encouraged to attend and connect directly with resources.

According to Chandra Fox, deputy director of Spokane County Department of Emergency Management, all visitors at the DAC should check in with Spokane Regional Long Term Recovery Group, which was established after previous wildfires in 2023. This group will manage case management and navigation for impacted households, making sure they receive necessary support and resources.

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Fox stressed the importance of providing specific information about each household's situation so that they can effectively navigate through the available resources. She also assured that all information shared will be kept confidential with security and privacy being protected for those seeking support.

Spokane Public Schools superintendent Dr. Adam Swinyard and Innovia Foundation CEO Shelly O'Quinn also spoke at the meeting, emphasizing the need for clear communication and navigation for families seeking services. They encouraged organizations providing support and individuals looking for volunteer opportunities to visit SpokaneCommunityResources.org.

Dr. Swinyard stated that anyone in the community can visit this website to get connected with available resources, while those wanting to offer services or support can fill out a form to have their information shared.

O'Quinn highlighted how this community has come together in full force but stressed the importance of being organized in the response efforts. Other speakers at the meeting included Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels, Commissioner Josh Kerns, Incident Command Public Information Officer Tom Stokesberry, and Mayor Lisa Brown.

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Sheriff Nowels and PIO Stokesberry provided an update on the firefighting efforts, which have brought in 1,500 firefighters from 23 different states to Spokane. Sheriff Nowels acknowledged that evacuated families may want to return to their neighborhoods but urged patience and caution.

He explained that fire teams are currently working on establishing fire lines around the affected areas to prevent the fire from spreading further. He also emphasized the danger of allowing people back into these areas before being certain that the fire lines will hold in the coming days.

For the safety of everyone, including first responders, Sheriff Nowels requested that community members continue to follow evacuation orders, cooperate with National Guard and law enforcement, and refrain from flying drones in restricted air space as it can interfere with firefighting efforts.

In addition to the DAC, Shadle Park High School is also hosting a Free Kids Day Camp on August 6th and 7th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free lunch provided for children and activities supervised by SPS staff. The camp will also be extended into the weekend, with more details about the schedule coming soon.

The community is encouraged to visit Spokane Community Resources for support and resources and contact them with any questions or concerns. As this devastating wildfire continues to impact many lives, it is heartening to see various organizations and agencies come together to provide support and resources for those affected.

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