FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

06/18/2026 

UNITED WAYS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ACTIVATES DISASTER RECOVERY FUND AS WILDFIRES DEVASTATE INLAND NORTHWEST COMMUNITIES 

Simultaneous Fires Across Washington and Northern Idaho Destroy Homes and Force Tens of Thousands to Evacuate 

OLYMPIA, Washington — United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) has activated its statewide Disaster Recovery Fund in response to a rapidly escalating wildfire emergency across the Inland Northwest. Multiple fires burning simultaneously in Washington and Idaho have destroyed homes, forced tens of thousands of residents to flee, and left families in urgent need of food, shelter, and essential services. 

“Families have lost their homes and possessions, and thousands more remain in danger across the region. United Ways of the Pacific Northwest is mobilizing alongside our local partners to ensure displaced residents have the critical resources they need for not just today, but throughout the long road to recovery,” said Jim Cooper, President and CEO of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest. 

At a Glance: Active Fires Across the Region 

Wildfires are burning simultaneously across Eastern Washington, forcing mass evacuations and destroying homes. The Upriver Fire, ignited June 16 just east of Spokane, has destroyed at least 15 homes and placed roughly 12,000 Spokane Valley residents under evacuation orders, with possible human remains discovered in one burned residence. To the south, the Tule Road Fire near Toppenish in Yakima County has exploded to more than 24,000 acres and is only 15% contained, while the OIE Fire near Benton City has burned approximately 500 acres and triggered Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations, with additional blazes in the county threatening homes and crops across Benton and Franklin counties. 

The fire emergency extends into northern Idaho, where the Gold Run Fire erupted June 16 near Kellogg in Shoshone County, burning 235 acres through steep, wooded terrain south of I-90. More than 120 structures were threatened at the fire's peak, and three non-residential outbuildings were destroyed. Meanwhile, the Juniper Dunes Fire in Franklin County, Washington, has surpassed 3,600 acres with 20% containment. Combined, these fires have drawn hundreds of firefighters and prompted evacuation orders spanning from the Yakima Valley to the Silver Valley of Idaho. 

In Oregon, we continue to monitor the Yoss Creek fire in Klamath County and the West Fones Fire in Josephine County, burning a total of 25 acres right now with 0% containment. Oregon has seen 414 fires that have burned more than 8,000 acres so far in 2026. Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency on June 15. Due to the imminent wildfire threat, the same day the Oregon Department of Forestry officially declared fire season had begun. 

How Your Donation Helps 

First launched in response to the 2020 wildfires across the Pacific Northwest, the UWPNW Disaster Recovery Fund is maintained year-round and works through a network of 32 local United Ways in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Contributions will support displaced families for food, shelter, childcare, health care, and other critical services — addressing both immediate needs and long-term recovery. Funds are distributed to local United Ways or partner organizations based on damage to severity, population, and economic and racial equity factors. Various local community funds will also be available on our Disaster Recovery page if anyone would like to donate locally.  

Donate online: www.uwpnw.org/disaster_recovery 

About United Ways of the Pacific Northwest 

UWPNW is the regional association representing 32 local United Ways across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities in the areas of education, income, and health. 

For media inquiries, please contact Emily Wilson at 541-571-5392 or [email protected]

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