What To Do After your Home is in a Wildfire

The days immediately after a wildfire are overwhelming. You don't have to solve everything today. Your first priority is taking care of yourself and your family while making a few decisions that will save you time, money, and stress later.

Find Stable Housing

If possible, choose a place where you can stay for at least a couple of weeks instead of moving from hotel to hotel. Housing becomes scarce after large fires, and having one stable place to stay gives you room to think clearly. Save every receipt related to lodging, meals, clothing, or other emergency expenses. If you have homeowners insurance, many of these costs may qualify for reimbursement.

Get Information From Trusted Sources

During an active disaster, rumors spread quickly. Rely on official updates from Spokane County Emergency Management for evacuation notices, re-entry information, and assistance center locations. If available, enroll in emergency text alerts and install the Watch Duty app to receive real-time wildfire updates.

Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately

As soon as you know your home is damaged or destroyed, start your insurance claim. Ask about your Additional Living Expense (ALE) or Loss of Use coverage. Request an advance if you need money for temporary housing, and ask your insurance company to confirm your coverage limits in writing. Those limits determine how long temporary housing is covered and how much is available, so it's important to understand them early.

If you need help understanding your policy, organizations like United Policyholders provide free guidance to wildfire survivors.

Buy What You Need

Replace essential items without feeling guilty. Clothing, toiletries, medications, chargers, children's supplies, pet items, and other necessities are exactly what emergency funds are intended for. Always keep your receipts.

Protect Yourself From Scams

Unfortunately, disasters attract dishonest people.

Be cautious if someone:

Wants a large deposit before work begins.
Pressures you to sign a contract immediately.
Claims they're with FEMA or another agency but asks for payment or sensitive financial information.
Offers rental housing without allowing you to see the property first.
Promises to "handle your insurance claim" in exchange for a percentage of your settlement.
Pushes expensive inspections or cleanup services before you've had time to evaluate your options.

Verify contractors through Washington Labor & Industries before hiring anyone.

If someone insists you need to make a decision today, it's usually a good reason to wait.

Before Debris Removal Begins

Don't rush into clearing your property. Washington requires burned structures to go through an asbestos evaluation before demolition debris is removed. Many older homes contain asbestos-containing materials that remain hazardous after a fire. Typically, a certified inspector collects samples, a laboratory analyzes them, and the results determine how debris must be handled. After testing, the required paperwork is submitted before demolition permits are issued. If anyone tells you these steps aren't necessary, confirm the requirements directly with the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency before moving forward.

If You're Starting a Fundraiser

Many families use crowdfunding to bridge the financial gap after a wildfire.

Keep your fundraiser broad rather than describing very specific expenses. General language about supporting your recovery can help avoid conflicts with other forms of disaster assistance or insurance benefits.

If possible, let a trusted friend or family member organize the fundraiser for you. It allows you to focus on recovery while someone else handles updates and communication.