Washington State Nurses Association statement on the Spokane wildfires

The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) is heartbroken by the devastating wildfires impacting Spokane and surrounding communities. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been forced to evacuate, suffered loss, or is working tirelessly to protect lives and property during this rapidly evolving emergency.

We urge everyone in affected areas to heed evacuation orders, emergency alerts, and guidance from state and local officials. These directives are issued to protect lives and following them promptly is critical to ensuring the safety of individuals, families, and first responders.

Nurses are often among the first to care for those affected by disasters, while many are also experiencing these emergencies firsthand in their own communities. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary dedication of nurses, healthcare workers, firefighters, emergency responders, and volunteers who continue to serve under incredibly difficult circumstances.

WSNA will immediately begin working to identify ways to support our members and communities in the affected region. We remain committed to standing alongside our members and the communities they serve throughout this response and recovery.

We encourage everyone across Washington to look out for one another, check in on neighbors and loved ones, and continue following updates from emergency management officials as conditions evolve.