SPOKANE, Wash. - As wind-driven wildfires tore through Spokane over the weekend, forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying more than 600 structures, local churches opened their doors to displaced neighbors, offering shelter, prayer, and a sense of stability amid the chaos.
The Old Trails and Fairview fires, now grouped together as the Spokane Area Fires, triggered Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders across northwest Spokane after flames jumped the Spokane River and swept into the Indian Trail neighborhood on Saturday. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and activated the Washington National Guard to assist with the response.
Amid the disruption, congregations across the city adjusted quickly. Audubon Park United Methodist Church canceled its Sunday worship service after many members, including the pastor and the entire worship team, were forced to evacuate, and instead directed its congregation to join Spokane Valley United Methodist Church's service online. Other Spokane-area churches similarly pivoted, offering their buildings as shelter points and coordinating prayer and updates for families who lost homes or were still waiting to learn the fate of theirs.
Officials said crews continued working to protect schools, churches, and neighborhoods still in the fire's path, even as containment remained at zero and winds continued to drive the flames.
