The devastating wildfires that broke out in Eastern Washington, especially in the Spokane area, have brought great sorrow to thousands of our fellow residents. According to preliminary reports, approximately 67,000 people were forced to evacuate, and the fire destroyed around 850 buildings.
The fight against the fire continues. Fires and smoke are creating dangerous conditions, worsening air quality, and causing significant material losses and emotional suffering for people.
The Council of Ukrainian Christian Churches of Washington State expresses its sincere condolences to all who have lost their homes or means of livelihood, were forced to leave their homes, or remain in danger and uncertainty. We pray for you and seek to stand with you through practical assistance.
We lift up our prayers for firefighters, law enforcement officers, medical workers, volunteers, and all those involved in rescuing people and responding to the consequences of this natural disaster. We thank them for their courage, dedication, and tireless service to their neighbors.
We call on the pastors and members of our churches, as well as all people of goodwill, to show compassion and, in accordance with verified needs, to:
- provide evacuees and those affected with temporary housing, food, drinking water, clothing, hygiene supplies, means of communication, and other necessities;
- support families with children, elderly people, people with disabilities, and all who need special assistance;
- make donations through trusted charitable funds and organizations working directly in the affected communities;
- participate in volunteer assistance through official services and recognized humanitarian organizations, while strictly following evacuation orders and safety rules;
- support those affected not only materially, but also through personal presence, a kind word, prayer, and pastoral care — beginning with a phone call to your acquaintances from the regions affected by the fires.
We call on each church to designate a responsible person to coordinate assistance, gather information on available temporary housing, transportation, and other resources, and inform community members of the current, verified needs of those affected.
By providing practical care for our fellow Washingtonians who are in danger or have been left without shelter, we have an opportunity to fulfill Christ’s commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” May our hospitality, generosity, and sacrificial service become a living witness to God’s love for people.
We ask Almighty God to comfort all who have been touched by this disaster, strengthen those who have suffered loss, and grant protection and endurance to firefighters, emergency responders, and volunteers. We pray that the Lord will preserve every human life, help bring the fire under control as quickly as possible, and not allow anyone to be left without the support they need.
August 7, 2026. Washington State
Photo credit: John Stember for The New York Times