The 2026 fire season has begun in the Inland Northwest and has already
impacted some of our colleagues, families, and friends. Our thoughts and
prayers are with all those affected by wildfires.
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.
Please remember that you are not alone—support is readily available to you through our Care & Support Resources and the local organizations listed below.
Old Trails Fire
This fire started Saturday, August 1 and has led to evacuations for some in our
community. The University is providing what assistance it can to those employees affected on a case-by-case basis.
Available support resources include:
- Campus Support Requests: If you need on-campus support please email 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.
- 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.
Gonzaga University Resources
SupportLinc is your Gonzaga toolkit with tips to prepare and act in wildfire situations.
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
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.