Neighbors helping neighbors: How to support communities impacted by wildfires
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Every year, communities across Washington and Oregon keep a close eye on wildfire conditions. This year, dry weather, hot temperatures, and strong winds have created challenging conditions across much of the Pacific Northwest, forcing many families to evacuate, cope with wildfire smoke and unhealthy air quality, or face the heartbreaking loss of a home.
Wildfires do more than burn landscapes. They disrupt lives, separate families from their homes, and create an urgent need for wildfire recovery, evacuation support, and long-term recovery across entire communities.
At PEMCO, we're closely monitoring the fires affecting the communities where our members, employees, agents, friends, and neighbors live. While our focus is on helping people prepare for the unexpected, we're also committed to supporting our communities when disaster strikes.
During times like these, one of the most powerful things we can do is show up for one another.
Offer wildfire evacuation support and a safe place to stay
Many families are being displaced due to wildfire evacuation orders or seeking relief from unhealthy air quality caused by smoke.
If you have extra space, consider opening your home to friends, family members, or others in your community who need a safe place to stay.
Even if you can't provide overnight accommodations, you may be able to offer a place to recharge phones, access the internet, enjoy cleaner indoor air, attend to personal hygiene needs (such as a shower), or simply take a moment to regroup during a stressful time.
Donate essential items for wildfire relief
When families evacuate, they often leave with only the necessities.
Local food banks, shelters, and wildfire relief organizations frequently need:
- nonperishable food
- hygiene products
- diapers
- pet supplies
- bedding
Before donating, check with local organizations to learn what items are most needed. If you donate clothing or household items, make sure they are clean and in good condition.
Volunteer your time to support wildfire recovery
Financial donations and supplies make a tremendous impact, but so does your time.
Offering childcare, delivering meals, helping transport supplies, caring for pets, or assisting with day-to-day tasks can provide meaningful relief for families navigating evacuation, displacement, or recovery.
And while immediate needs are important, wildfire recovery efforts continue long after a fire is contained. Volunteers often play a critical role in helping communities rebuild in the weeks and months that follow.
Support first responders and relief workers
Wildland firefighters, emergency responders, and volunteers spend long hours protecting lives and property.
Many local organizations coordinate opportunities to provide meals, supplies, and other support for response crews. These efforts help sustain the people working tirelessly on the front lines and behind the scenes.
Check in on vulnerable neighbors during wildfire smoke events
Not everyone affected by wildfires is directly in a fire zone.
Wildfire smoke can travel long distances, creating unhealthy air quality for older adults, young children, people with respiratory conditions, and others who may be especially vulnerable.
Checking in on neighbors is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to strengthen community during challenging times.
Support local wildfire relief organizations
Making a financial contribution to trusted wildfire relief organizations is often one of the fastest and most effective ways to help communities impacted by Washington and Oregon wildfires.
Organizations on the ground can direct resources where they’re needed most, whether that's emergency shelter, food, supplies, health services, wildfire evacuation support, or long-term recovery assistance.
One organization making a difference is the American Red Cross, one of PEMCO's long-standing partners in safety and preparedness. During wildfires and other disasters, the Red Cross helps provide emergency shelter, relief supplies, health and mental health support, and recovery assistance for individuals and families affected by disaster.
To support wildfire recovery efforts, the PEMCO Foundation will match donations made to the American Red Cross up to the first $50,000 received through August 14. All donations must be made through this website to track matches: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/pemco-emp.html/.
Coming together when it matters most
The impact of wildfire can be overwhelming, but relief and recovery also bring out the best in people.
Across the Pacific Northwest, we've seen neighbors open their homes, donate supplies, volunteer their time, and support those facing difficult circumstances. These acts of generosity help provide comfort, stability, and hope when it's needed most.
We can help our communities recover and remind those affected that they don't have to face the road ahead alone. We’re better together.
For more wildfire preparedness and recovery resources, visit go.pemco.com/wildfire.
If you are looking to support local organizations:
H.O.M.E. Starts Here Donations - City of Spokane, Washington to add a donation onto your utility bill
Second Harvest: Local Food, Lasting Hope for the Northwest is accepting food donations
Spokane fire station 16 is looking for: Socks, deodorant, ChapStick, eye drops, electrolytes, food, sunscreen, etc. Community members can drop off directly at the fire station.
Vanessa Behan in assisting families during crises with childcare
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