SPOKANE, WASH. — One week after the Spokane complex fires began, residents are returning to their neighborhoods to confront the full scope of the destruction. The fires have damaged or destroyed more than 900 structures and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, many of whom remain displaced as they navigate the long road to recovery.
As residents move through their damaged neighborhoods, they’re discovering something unexpected amid the devastation: a community rallying around those who lost everything. Neighbors are reuniting, sharing stories of both loss and resilience, and working together to help their most affected community members begin the process of rebuilding.
Aric Frank lost his home in the fires. One week later, he stood amid the ashes of what was once his residence while friends and neighbors dug through the rubble searching for anything salvageable. Despite the overwhelming loss, Frank said the outpouring of support has shifted his perspective on what truly matters.
“I lost everything I own, everything I ever worked for,” Frank said. “But I found out people love me and they care about me. I’d trade all of this for that.”
Throughout the week, Frank has been working with his insurance company to document the loss. The process has been both necessary and emotionally draining. He spent time sketching every room in his house from memory and reviewing photographs to send to his insurance provider—a task that forced him to confront the reality of what he lost while also recognizing the support surrounding him.
“I got to sit down yesterday and sketch every room in my house which is very emotional, then go through all my rolls of pictures and sending pictures of the inside of the house so that emotional roller coaster of knowing this is what’s here but seeing all the love,” Frank said.
Frank’s partner, Lorie Higgins, acknowledged the toll this week has taken on both of them. Beyond the emotional weight of losing Frank’s home, they’re managing countless practical tasks—making lists, contacting insurance companies, and arranging to shut off utilities and services.
“It’s really hard, you know, he has some really rough moments and then of course there’s a million things to do, you know lists to make and pictures to send to the insurance company and you know companies to call to turn things off,” Higgins said.
Despite the challenges, Higgins emphasized that the community’s response has made a tangible difference in Frank’s ability to cope with the crisis. The love and human connection Frank experienced has become his lifeline through an impossible situation.
“It’s really heartwarming, it’s made all the difference I think for him to just feel that love and realize you know this is stuff. This was you know bricks and wood and nails and stuff but you know what matters is the love of other people and the connection you have to them,” Higgins said.
In the affected neighborhoods, visible signs of community support and resilience are emerging. Women have left colorful messages of hope on sidewalks, while firefighters and neighbors work together to clear pine needles and remove dry fuel that could pose additional fire risks. These efforts are particularly important as hot and dry conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.
For Frank, the road ahead will be long and complicated. Rebuilding a home requires time, resources, and emotional energy. But as he moves forward, he is doing so with the knowledge that his community stands with him—a realization that, in his view, is worth more than any structure could ever be.
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