Tuesday August 4th, 2026: Day 4
It has been 4 days since the fires first started in Spokane and it is the first day that I feel I could bring myself to document because behind every photograph is a real person living through one of the hardest moments of their life.
When I lift my camera during times like these, I'm reminded that photography isn't just about documenting what happened, it's about preserving humanity. It's about honoring resilience without exploiting grief. It's about showing the strength of a community while respecting the pain that many are still carrying.
Some moments don't need to be photographed. Others deserve to be remembered with care, compassion, and dignity.
If you've lost your home, your business, your memories, or simply your sense of normal, my heart is with you. No image can fully capture what you've experienced, but I hope the photographs shared in the coming days serve as a reminder that your story matters and that Spokane is a community that stands together.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the firefighters, emergency personnel, volunteers, and countless neighbors who have worked tirelessly to protect lives and support those in need. Their courage deserves recognition far beyond a single photograph.
As I continue documenting this event, my goal is not to sensationalize tragedy but to bear witness with respect. I believe photography has the power to preserve history, encourage empathy, and remind us that even after devastation, communities rebuild not just homes, but hope.
To everyone affected by the Spokane fires, you are in my thoughts. May healing come one day at a time, and may we continue showing up for one another in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
-Nancy
Donations come flooding in just days after fires started ravaging parts of Spokane. Location: Muggies Coffee stand W. Garland Ave.
Wednesday August 5th, 2026: Day 5
As the sun set on day 5, it radiated a deep orange hue as the smoke continued to billow; creating a blanket over the Spokane skies. Today was a "quiet" day, if you will, there is FINALLY some containment and roughly 2,000 firefighters on scene. They, and so many more men & women in uniform have been working around the clock to help keep the city safe from further devastation. Although today was a step in the right direction, weather patterns and flare ups are a continued threat, especially as we head into the weekend. Many evacuees are growing weary as the evacuations have remained in place, some for as long as the fires have been burning. Some may still not even know if they will come back to a home. Hearts are heavy, but there is hope as a community. I hope to showcase the hard work that is being done behind the scenes in the coming days.
Local Police Keep guard into the highest evacuation zones [5 mile Prairie]
Just as important are crews working long days to restore where power has been lost. It takes a village to rebuild a city, one job at a time.
Road Closures remain imperative for the safety of both the crew and residents of Spokane
Thursday August 6th, 2026: Day 6
Not much change behind the lens, but behind the scences, good things are happening. The community of Spokane is banding together and showing up in amazing ways! I have been in contact with good-doers all over the region and hope to bring you along for the ride in the coming days.
Stay Strong Spokane.
The 5 Mile Zips showed its support today for the heroes on the ground keeping the Community of Spokane safe.
Friday, August 7, 2026: Day 7
Lots of different thoughts are flooding in my head as I made my way around Spokane today. The mass amounts of community outreach and support is unlike anything I have ever witnessed. Spokane gets a lot of flack for this and that, but nobody comes together better in a time of need than the people of Spokane! Whether you were born and raised here, or are a "transplant", as Ive been hearing, at the end of the day those things don't matter. Something that really stuck with me (and I wish I would have caught his name and asked for a portrait because he was totally willing), was a man I briefly came into contact with at the center of resources for fire victims. As I was making my way through the Shadle Park High School grounds, I made a comment to a man that was just inside of my camera lens along the lines of "Im not trying to get you in my frame", to which he replied (of how I remember it, something like) " Thats alright, I'd love to be a bright spot and spread some positivity." This comment really stuck with me the rest of the day as he was so grateful to just be there and receive the support of the community when he most likely had nothing left. I didn't ask or inquire, but I did overhear, what I assumed was a friend of his, if he our his family needed anything else. His energy was radiating and a bright light in most would consider a dark spot.
Saturday, August 8th, 2026: Day 8
A brand new local business is supporting the community of Spokane just days after opening their doors. Beans & Bind of Spokane Valley rallied with other Spokane locals in an effort to bring relief to those whom have been directly affected by the recent Spokane Fires. Beans & Bind offered a safe space, Breite Thrift brought her entire inventory of high end thrifts as well as quality donated goods (FREE for the fire victims), as well as the The Mindful Haven bringing the familiar faces of Sonic, Vector, and a Minion in hopes to bring some joy to kids who have lost all sense of normalcy. This event is just one example of how much of an impact a "smaller" business can have when we work together.
Bean & Bind opens their doors to help support relief efforts just days after their grand opening. A true blessing to the community
Larai of Breite Thrft generously donates her inventory of high end thrifts to those whom lost it all
Danielle from The Mindful Haven, with the help of her three boys, came decked out in their mothers' one of a kind costumes to help spread a little joy.
