Eastern Washington Wildfire Resources for the Gonzaga Community

The 2026 fire season is impacting some of our colleagues, families and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by wildfires. The university is continuing normal operations; however, we are providing expanded leave options and additional resources.

Please remember that you are not alone − support is readily available to you through our Care & Support Resources and the local organizations listed below.

WatchDuty is a free website with information on wildfires such as the area
covered, containment, and evacuation maps. There is a free app that offers
updates and alerts to a mobile phone.

August 2026 Fire Support

The University is providing assistance to those employees affected on a case-by-case basis. Available resources include:

• Campus Housing Requests: Employees and students within the evacuation zones for the Spokane Complex fires can request temporary campus housing by emailing Megan Hawley at hawleym@gonzaga.edu.
• Emergency Leave and Workplace Flexibility: Supervisors are encouraged to work with employees affected by evacuations or related emergencies to provide flexibility and explore available leave options.
• Emergency Financial Support: Apply for loan assistance if needed.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling, emotional support, and additional resources are available through the EAP for employees and their household members. Call 1-888-881-5462 for support.
• Human Resources Support: Employees needing assistance navigating benefits, leave options, or other employment-related concerns may contact Human Resources at humanresources@gonzaga.edu or benefits@gonzaga.edu.
• Campus Safety Updates: Please continue to monitor official communications and local emergency management agencies for the latest evacuation and safety information.
• Wildfire Natural Disaster Toolkit: For additional information regarding resources and support visit https://www.naturaldisaster.tools/wildfire-resources.

How You Can Help

Please consider donating items needed by Gonzaga families displaced by wildfires in Spokane. For a list of immediate needs, click here.

If you are able, we invite you to make a gift to support Emergency Assistance through the President's Discretionary Fund which provides immediate and ongoing resources for those impacted by the fires.

Gonzaga University Resources

SupportLinc is your Gonzaga toolkit with tips to prepare and act in wildfire situations.

• Wildfire Resources
• Wildfire Tip Sheets

Resources for Employees

Employees may access all SupportLinc services by visiting gonzaga.mysupportportal.com
or calling 1-888-881-LINC (5462).

Resources for Students

BetterMynd, provides immediate access to counselors, with the ability to book teletherapy sessions directly from your computer. Students can use Gonzaga University single-sign-on credentials (Zagmail address and password) to log in.

Washington State Resources

• Washington State’s wildfire website provides information for immediate safety, assistance and technical resources.
• Washington State’s Department of Natural Resources tracks wildfires for situational awareness.

National Resources

A number of National resources are also available.

• Local American Red Cross Locator – Enter your zip code to locate the nearest American Red Cross assistance site.
• FEMA: After the Fire (PDF) – Learn what to do and what to expect after a fire in your home.
• Ready.gov – Learn what to do before, during and after a wildfire.
• Airnow.gov – The one-stop source for air quality data in your local area; search by zip code.
• 2-1-1 Emergency Resources – Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dial 211 from a landline or 877-652-1148 from a mobile device. Information can also be accessed by texting your zip code to 898-211 from a mobile phone or tablet.