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Community Comes Together to Support Gray Fire Recovery Effort
The investigation into the cause of the Gray Fire is still in its early stages as Spokane County and the Medical Lake community continue to rally behind fire victims. The fire burned 10,085 acres and destroyed an estimated 259 structures before it was declared 100% contained on September 1st.
Individuals, families, and businesses now must assess the damage and figure out how to recover, which will not be an easy or short road. Organizations like Re*Imagine Medical Lake and the Innovia Fund have begun collecting donations and organizing volunteers to help those impacted get back on their feet. Local businesses and churches are also offering a helping hand.
Underinsured? A Gray Fire Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one were affected by the Gray Fire, an experienced Washington fire lawyer can get you the compensation you need to help you recover from this terrible tragedy and move on with your life.
Even if you have insurance, Singleton Schreiber’s Gray Fire lawyers can help to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve and help you explore your options if you find yourself underinsured or without insurance.
Pay no fees unless we win. We will continue to monitor the investigation as more details emerge and are here to guide you through the recovery process. Whether you rent or own your property, book your free consultation with a Spokane fire lawyer today.
Gray Fire Lawsuit Filed
Singleton Schreiber has filed a lawsuit against Inland Power & Light Company alleging the utility company is responsible for the Gray Fire.
Property Damage Resources
Homeowners and renters can utilize the following resources:
- Damage Assessment Form
Spokane County Emergency Management is asking victims affected by the Gray and Oregon Road fires to fill out damage assessment forms. Property owners and renters should fill out the form, so the county can determine who has insurance coverage and what individual needs might be moving forward.
The county is asking those affected to fill out the form as soon as possible.
- Tips for Debris Clean-Up
The Spokane Regional Clear Air Agency (SRCAA) has shared valuable tips on asbestos, how to retrieve personal items, and what to do if your house has been damaged or destroyed in the fires.
- Restoring Hope Resource Center
Rebuilding and other resources available.
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- 512 E. Herb, Medical Lake
- Open daily 10am-6pm
- (509) 505-3650 or ert@medical-lake.org for assistance
- Samaritan’s Purse Clean-Up Assistance
Samaritan’s Purse is offering free sifting for personal items and site clean-up assistance for homeowners with little or no insurance.
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- For help: (833) 747-1234
- To volunteer: (509) 991-4304
- Property Tax Relief
Those with direct property losses due to the Gray Fire or Oregon Road Fire can apply for property tax relief for 2023. If your property decreased in value by more than 20%, you can apply for property tax relief anytime within the next three years. Learn more about SB 5454 and eligibility requirements.
Contact the Spokane County Assessor's Office to see if you qualify:
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- (509) 477-3698
Financial Support
These need-based grants were made possible by a number of donations from local residents, businesses, and non-profits.
The REALTORS® Relief Foundation has set up a $500,000 Grant in disaster relief aid to those affected by the Spokane wildfires. Relief assistance is available up to $2000 per household. The deadline for application submission is November 10th, 2023.
Funds will be distributed to qualified applicants to put towards:
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- monthly mortgage payments
- rental cost due to displacement
- hotel reimbursement due to displacement
Clothing and Food Assistance
Programs to help those in need include:
- Medical Lake Food Bank
- 207 S Washington St, Medical Lake
- Open Fridays 10am-12pm
- (509) 299-3819
- Free Food Boxes in September
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- Redemption Church - 400 E. Grace Street Medical Lake
- Tuesdays and Fridays 3pm -6pm
- (509) 299-3139
- 211.org for Local Food Bank Information
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- Or call 2-1-1
- Free Hot Meals at St. John’s Lutheran Church
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- 223 S Hallett St, Medical Lake
- Mondays 11am-1pm
- (509) 299-4114
De Soleil Salon and Spa has been transformed into a free boutique to help wildfire victims.
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- 22 W Indiana Ave, Spokane
- Call the main salon number to schedule an appointment or to donate
- (509) 325-2008
Animal Assistance
Those seeking animal assistance and support can explore the following resources:
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- 6815 E. Trent, Spokane Valley
- Visit the SCRAPS website for hours of operation
- (509) 477-2532
PetSmart stores in Kennewick, Walla Walla, Yakima, Wenatchee, and Spokane are collecting donations of new pet supplies and food.
Donate or Volunteer
For those willing and able to help those in need:
Innovia Foundation has opened a Wildfire Emergency Response Fund to support nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted by current wildfires in the region.
“All funds donated will go to fire victims and/or the Medical Lake recovery effort. They will not be spent on other Re*Imagine Medical Lake programs or efforts.”
Steps Custom Print Shop is donating all profits to Re*Imagine Medical Lake.
Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to aid in the recovery effort.
Spokane County Volunteer Opportunities
More Federal Aid from FEMA Seeming Unlikely
FEMA authorized federal funding to fight the Gray and Oregon Road wildfires just days after the Washington fires ignited in August. But, it looks like the state will not be able to secure funds for certain damages, and Spokane County may also be out of luck.
“We’ve done some damage assessments for the public assistance program, which is anything to do with infrastructure,” said Assistant Director of Operations for the Washington State Emergency Management Division Stacey McClain on September 19th at a Spokane County Board of Commissioners meeting. “Fortunately, and unfortunately, there is not enough damage to meet our state threshold.”
The program helps cover damages for things such as roads, bridges, and electrical.
Spokane County is also likely to come up short of qualifying for individual assistance funding to help individuals and families who have suffered losses from the fires. FEMA will only disburse funds to cover uninsured homes, and McClain said the county would need 170-200 homes to be considered. Right now, the county knows of 40 homes that are underinsured, and there are about 200 homes it doesn’t have insurance data for yet.
Officials are looking into other funding options from the Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration.
Our Washington Fire Lawyers Can Get You Compensation for Damages From the Gray Fire
If you or a loved one have experienced a Gray Fire evacuation, property damage or loss, wrongful death, psychological trauma, or other damages, the expert fire attorneys at Singleton Schreiber can help you recover the fair and full compensation you need to move forward with your life.
If You Have Experienced Any of the Following, You May Be Eligible for Gray Fire Compensation:
- Expensive Evacuation
- Wrongful Death from Fire or Smoke
- Hospitalization
- Serious Burns
- Other Serious Personal Injury
- Long-Term Health Effects
- Psychological Impact
- Home Loss
- Structure Loss
- Damage to Animals/Pets
- Damage to Timber/Trees
- Erosion
- Vegetation Loss
- Damage to Landscaping
- Significant Property Damage
- Economic Loss
- Agriculture Loss
- Damage to Infrastructure
- Business Loss
- Business Interruption
- Smoke Damage
- Damage from Soot & Ash
- Underinsured Property
- FEMA Assistance
- Utility & Other Service Interruptions
- Housing Market Impacts