SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Spokane County leaders are still processing the scale of destruction they witnessed this week during an aerial survey of neighborhoods devastated by the Old Trails and Fairview fires.
Commissioner Josh Kerns and Governmental Relations Officer Ron Valencia flew over the burned areas and saw entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, with streaks of red fire retardant still visible on the ground below. The firsthand look at the damage will shape how county officials approach recovery efforts in the coming months.
The aerial perspective gave the county leaders a new appreciation for the firefighting tools being deployed on the ground. Kerns said the fire retardant dropped from aircraft proved remarkably effective in protecting structures and limiting the spread of flames.
“That stuff really works, which is also why there’s been such an emphasis since this fire started for people to not put drones in the air. Because when drones are in the air, those planes can’t be dropping that fire department,” Kerns said.
The drone restriction is critical to the firefighting operation. When unmanned aircraft occupy the airspace, water and retardant-dropping planes must stay grounded, significantly hampering firefighting capabilities. County officials have stressed the importance of keeping drones out of the air to allow aerial firefighting to continue uninterrupted.
Seeing the extent of the damage firsthand has reinforced the urgency of the recovery mission ahead. Kerns said the county is coordinating with the Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group to help fire victims navigate the complex process of rebuilding their lives.
“One of the big things I want people to understand is help rarely comes from one place. For individuals that have insurance, that’s one piece of the puzzle,” Kerns said.
The recovery effort will draw from multiple sources. In addition to private insurance, state and local funds will contribute to the recovery process, along with assistance from nonprofit organizations. Kerns emphasized that fire victims should not hesitate to reach out for help and should begin filing claims with the Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group as soon as possible.
The group serves as a central resource for residents seeking assistance, helping coordinate aid from various agencies and organizations. By starting the claims process early, victims can access support more quickly as they begin the long process of rebuilding.
County officials are encouraging anyone affected by the fires to contact the Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group to learn about available resources and begin their recovery journey.
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