Direct Relief Deploys Emergency Medical Aid as Washington Wildfires Force Thousands of Evacuations

A series of wildfires burning across Washington have forced thousands of residents to evacuate and destroyed hundreds of structures.

Seventeen fires across the state have burned more than 200,000 acres, and fire crews are working to contain the wind-driven fires exacerbated by high temperatures and dry conditions.

At least 65,000 people have been evacuated in Spokane County, where more than 700 structures have been destroyed.

How is Direct Relief Responding to Wildfires in Washington?

Direct Relief has emergency response staff who have deployed to Washington to coordinate on medical needs at the local and state level. The organization, based in California, has a long history of responding to wildfires in the American West and globally.

Direct Relief maintains a stockpile of critical medications and supplies often requested to address health needs during wildfires, including respiratory health medications, N95 respirators, ophthalmic treatments, chronic disease management medications, water purification supplies, personal protective equipment, air purifiers, and more.

In response to Washington's current fires, Direct Relief has been in communication with multiple organizations, including Spokane Search and Rescue, the Washington Primary Care Association, Gonzaga University, and others, to assess ongoing needs.

This week, Direct Relief shipped out medical aid to partners in Washington, including personal care products for displaced people. That shipment departed for Family Health Centers, which has a clinic site in Tonasket, Washington.

The area has been impacted by the Sinlahekin Fire, which has burned more than 100,000 acres since early last week and is only five percent contained. That fire has prompted evacuations this week. Direct Relief also shipped 2,200 N95 respirator masks to the health center, as well as requested water purification supplies.

Medical support also departed for the Community Health Association of Spokane this week.

Since July 20, Direct Relief has provided more than $162,000 in medical aid for ongoing health needs across the state, and Direct Relief will continue to respond to medical needs.