President's Special Report: Wildfire Response

Our hearts are heavy for those experiencing the trauma and tragedy of loss, evacuation, insecurity and uncertainty as fires continue to impact Spokane and its surrounding communities; in addition to major fires impacting people in Chelan, Inchelium, Athena, White Swan, and other communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Currently,  approximately 450,000 acres have burned in Washington State for the summer season, with over 250,000 acres actively burning during the recent surge. Over 76,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, particularly around the Spokane area due to fast-moving blazes fueled by high heat and strong winds.

More than 700 primary dwellings were destroyed in Spokane County, and power outages affected about 10,000 customers. At this time, UCC churches and schools have not suffered damages caused by Wildfires.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency on August 1, activating the National Guard and deploying firefighters from over a dozen states.

On Spokane’s outskirts, the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires — known collectively as the Spokane Complex Fire — are all still burning and are all 0% contained; making this the most destructive fire in Washington’s modern history.

During times like these, the church has an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

So how can you help?

First of all, Adventist members throughout the North Pacific Union will unite in prayer on Friday, August 7, 2026, via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Together, we will pray for those who have lost homes, for first responders risking their lives, and for all who are working to bring relief, comfort and hope to their communities.

We ask for God’s presence to be near each person and family impacted, to watch over the valiant fire fighters and first responders as they do their work. We want to uplift everyone facing loss, evacuation, uncertainty, and insecurity. We pray for God’s leading that the fires will not only be contained but extinguished; and that He will guide our response in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Secondly, our ACS and Disaster Response personnel are already partnering with community agencies and organizations to provide comfort, practical assistance and hope to those affected.

“There is a tremendous amount of unseen work going into a well-coordinated response,” said Richie Brower, Director for ACS Disaster Response. “We are grateful to all the agencies who are working tirelessly to serve our community in this crisis. We are eagerly preparing several opportunities for members to share and serve in the near future.”

To financially support UCC Fire Response, visit news.uccsda.org/fireoffering826

Psalm 34:18-19 says, “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” These comforting verses have been a great encouragement to many, and I hope that they are to you as well. The Lord is near those who are hurting. May His comfort, love, and healing flow through us to all those around us.

So, let’s get started being the hands and feet of Jesus!

Plan to attend the Northwest Wildfire Prayer Gathering on August 7 at news.uccsda.org/wildfireprayer826

To financially support UCC Fire Response, visit news.uccsda.org/fireoffering826