2026 Wildfire Season: Why Your Support Matters Now

Wildfire season is here, and communities across Washington are facing heightened risk.

Dry conditions, below-normal snowpack and widespread drought have created conditions that can allow wildfires to start earlier, spread faster and become more difficult to contain. Eastern Washington is especially vulnerable, with communities such as Spokane County facing elevated wildfire danger throughout the summer.

For families living in areas where neighborhoods meet forests and open land, the threat can become very real, very quickly. Wildfires can force evacuations with little warning, leaving families suddenly displaced and in need of safe shelter, food, transportation and other immediate support.

Being Ready Before Disaster Strikes

When a wildfire begins, there is no time to start building a response from scratch.

Your donation to the UWPNW Disaster Recovery Fund helps ensure resources are already in place when communities need them most. By giving now, you help United Way and its partners respond quickly to immediate needs while also supporting the longer-term recovery that begins after the flames are gone.

Disaster recovery can take months — and sometimes years. Families may need help replacing essentials, securing temporary housing, navigating available resources and rebuilding stability after devastating loss.

Your support today helps make sure help is ready when it’s needed most.

Together, we can help Washington communities prepare, respond and recover.