BUILDING BACK
GRAY & OREGON ROAD WILDFIRES
Between August 18 and 25, 2023, the Oregon Road Fire and Gray Fire devastated Spokane County, burning over 20,000 acres and destroying more primary homes than any fire in Washington State history. More than 5,000 people were evacuated from Medical Lake, Elk, and surrounding areas. The fires destroyed 366 primary homes and a total of more than 700 structures, damaging hundreds more.
As the fires burned, Innovia Foundation, STCU Here for Good Foundation, Premera Blue Cross, and Washington Trust Bank established the Wildfire Response Fund at Innovia, each contributing $50,000 to launch the effort.
KHQ Nonstop Local and Spokane nonprofit Giving Back Spokane helped spread the word. Generous donors stepped up with donations large and small, bringing the total to more than $1.3 million for immediate relief and long-term recovery.
Funds were quickly distributed to local nonprofit addressing urgent needs like food, clothing, emergency shelter, gas cards, and propane. Later, in partnership with the Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group and Salvation Army Disaster Case Managers, funds were disbursed to meet other needs, including utility hook-ups, RV winterization, debris cleanup, and well shed replacement.
While immediate relief was critical, the true impact of the Wildfire Response Fund is seen in its commitment to long-term recovery. Thanks to many donors and volunteers, Phase 1 of rebuilding began in July 2024, resulting in the completion of eight new homes within a year. Looking ahead, up to twelve additional homes are planned for the next phase. Innovia Wildfire Response donations continue to support not just new construction but also evolving needs of survivors. This sustained effort ensures families and communities can regain stability and hope for the future.
GIVING
TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE
Since August 2023, generous donors and compassionate community partners have united to support the thousands of people affected by the Gray and Oregon Road wildfires. By pooling resources through the Eastern Washington Wildfire Response Fund at Innovia, over $840,000 has been distributed to date, with an additional $75,000 provided from the Elk Strong response fund.
When combined, these individual donations create a powerful collective impact—allowing us to leverage every dollar alongside public funding and countless volunteer hours. This flexible, pooled funding is especially valuable in wildfire recovery, as it can address urgent needs and fill critical gaps where state and federal support may fall short. Together, our joined efforts are making a greater difference than any single donation could alone, accelerating recovery and rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities.
Eastern Washington Wildfire Response Fund Distributions
$1.3 MILLION DONATED. 3,127 INDIVIDUAL GIFTS.
$300,000
Emergency assistance and unmet needs, including rental assistance, food, utilities, clothing, propane, gas cards, emergency shelter
$40,000
Hazard tree removal project
$500,000
Building supplies and expenses for 8 volunteer-built homes
$550,000
Remaining for future volunteer home build projects and unmet needs of impacted individuals and families
How to Apply
We are currently accepting applications!
Contact Joshua Kaiel at [email protected] for grant guidelines and application information.
Recovery Timeline
Devastation from the Gray and Oregon Road fires leads to the evacuation of 5,000 people and destroys 366 primary homes in Spokane County - more than any fire in state history.
Community members respond generously with more than $1.3 million donated to the Wildfire Response Fund at Innovia. Students from Lake City Academy collected $950 in coins to support the effort.
More than $100,000 in immediate response grants are distributed to nonprofits addressing emergency needs. Innovia joins the Spokane Long Term Recovery Group to address unmet needs of survivors working with Salvation Army disaster case managers.
Cleanup projects assist homeowners with hazard tree removal, asbestos testing, and other debris removal.
National and local volunteer organizations commit builder teams to assist with new home construction and home repair projects.
Innovia distributes $500,000 to purchase eight home build packages, allowing the Spokane Long Term Recovery Group to break ground for new homes in July 2024.
Eight new volunteer-built homes are complete, with all homes to be occupied by June.
Innovia Wildfire Fund donations are embarked to seed a second round of home builds. The Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group will coordinate construction of up to 12 homes with labor provided by volunteer builder teams.