Spokane Shliach Brings Aid to Firefighters Amid Wildfires

Three wildfires burning across eastern Washington State have consumed more than 10,000 acres and damaged or destroyed at least 600 structures. Approximately 60,000 residents of Spokane and Stevens counties have been evacuated since the fires began Saturday morning. More than 900 firefighters from multiple states are working to contain the blazes, which remained zero percent contained as of Tuesday morning, though two of the three fires have "moderated significantly." Gusty winds continue to influence fire behavior, and additional equipment has been brought in to assist containment efforts.

Rabbi Yisrael and Chaya Sarah Hahn have led Chabad-Lubavitch of Spokane for two decades. The fires broke out on Shabbat, when Jewish law prohibits use of electronic devices, and the couple learned of the emergency through an employee. Located roughly 20 minutes from the fire zone, the Chabad center has since been checking on community members, some of whom evacuated but were spared major destruction.

On Sunday, the rabbi toured the affected area to assess how Chabad could help. He described witnessing destruction that felt "surreal," With water pouring from broken pipes and smoldering embers where houses once stood. "You see these pictures, and you don't realize; there's nothing like seeing it for real," Hahn said. "You can tell it was a beautiful house, a gorgeous, well-maintained home. You can imagine the family running away in minutes, and thank G‑d, alive but losing everything, and then you see there's another house and another house. It's just heartbreaking."

Hahn noted that unlike an earlier regional wildfire, this one reached into the city itself, stating: "If you look at the pictures, the fire took a bite. There were tremendous winds, and it just went inward."

Beginning Monday, Chabad began delivering snacks, electrolyte drinks, and hygiene supplies including wipes and toothbrushes to firefighters on the front lines. Chabad of Spokane has also launched a fundraising campaign to help residents cover urgent needs including clothing, toiletries, and medication while awaiting insurance claims processing.

"We shouldn't have the attitude that we are safe, we're taken care of, our house isn't burned down, let's move on," Hahn said. "Rather, when something happens, we see what we can do to help."