Wildfire Response – August 2026

Student Resources

The health, safety and wellbeing of our students comes first, before assignments, deadlines or any academic obligation. Our faculty have been asked to be flexible with our students about coursework, attendance and other academic matters. We want you to know that support is available.

If you need flexibility with coursework, attendance, registration, or other academic matters, please check in with your instructor(s) or student services teams. We will work with you.

Spokane Community College Campus locations:

• Spokane campus: 509-533-8400 or sasquatchonestop@scc.spokane.edu
• Colville campus: 509-685-2120
• Newport campus: 509-447-3835
• Republic campus: 509-775-3675

• Spokane campus: 509-533-3500 or sfccinfo@sfcc.spokane.edu
• Pullman campus: 509-332-2706

Withdraw from classes

If you need to withdraw from your summer classes due to circumstances related to the wildfires, you may submit a Summer Quarter Withdrawal Exception Form through the end of Fall Quarter 2026

Library Technology Checkout

Need access to technology? The library has laptops, computers and Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout to currently enrolled students. Visit the library website for availability and checkout information.

Emergency Assistance

Currently enrolled students who need immediate financial assistance may apply through the Spokane Colleges Foundation Emergency Aid Program.

Mental Health & Wellness

Counseling and mental health services are available if you need someone to talk to:

• Spokane Community College Mental Health and Wellness Services
• Spokane Falls Community College Mental Health and Wellness Services

Clothing, Housewares and More

All students are welcome! SFCC’s ‘New to You’ Boutique currently has clothing, bedding, dishes and glassware, children’s toys, curtains, overnight hygiene kits, a cool space with charging stations for electronic devices. SFCC Building 2 (library), Room 001 (basement) Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Email SFCC.BasicNeeds@sfcc.spokane.edu or call 509-533-3749 for questions.

Tribal Relations

Dr. Naomi Bender, Director of Tribal Relations, is available for support, guidance, and consultation at 509-434-5121 or email Naomi.Bender@ccs.spokane.edu. 

Employee Resources

Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating fires in Spokane and across our service region these past few weeks. In addition to our students, we know this disaster has impacted many Spokane Colleges employees.

For those employees who are impacted and unable to work, please reach out to your supervisor or Human Resources at hro@ccs.spokane.edu or (509) 434-5040.

As we continue to identify and respond to these impacts, we’ve assembled a list of resources that we’ll expand as needs are identified.

Wildfire Disaster Leave

The Governor’s statewide wildfire emergency proclamation says, “an employer may allow up to 24 hours of leave with pay per occurrence to employees who are experiencing extraordinary or severe impacts of a wildfire disaster”. Examples include displacement from their home temporarily or permanently through evacuation, or significant damage or loss. This leave can be used in hourly increments, as needed. Check with your supervisor for more information.  

Campus “Caring Circle” Sessions

Spokane Colleges’ leadership is hosting a series of gatherings to support employees who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the wildfires. Each Caring Circle gathering will provide a space for employees to connect, share experiences, and learn about available resources.

Spokane Falls Community College

• Dates:
  • August 13 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
  • August 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Location: SFCC Cafeteria, Building 17, Room 107

Spokane Community College

• Dates: 
  • August 20 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
  • September 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Location: SCC Building 6, Littlefoot Conference Room

Employees working at other Spokane Colleges locations are also invited to attend the Caring Circles at SCC or SFCC.

Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Spokane Colleges employees have access to free and confidential counseling through the EAP program. Call (877) 313-4455 or visit eap.wa.gov. This EAP flyer contains suggestions, support and resources for our Spokane/Eastern WA employees impacted by the wildfires in our region. 

Foundation for Working Families

Through the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC), this foundation maintains a disaster relief fund for eligible union members. Visit wslc.org/ffwf/ for more information. 

Community Resources

Spokane has mobilized a community response to the wildfires. This includes a new website: SpokaneCommunityResources.org.

This site has a centralized list of local resources available to support individuals, families and businesses impacted by the recent wildfires. The site also includes volunteer opportunities. It is updated daily.