Dear PJALS community,
Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating Spokane-area fires and the Mitre Rock Fire burning on the Spokane Reservation.
We offer our deepest condolences to everyone grieving the loss of a home, land, belongings, animals, livelihoods, or a sense of safety. We are holding Spokane Tribal members, people who have been displaced or evacuated, and everyone anxiously waiting for news in our hearts.
We are deeply grateful to the firefighters, Tribal fire crews, emergency responders, volunteers, mutual-aid organizers, and neighbors who are showing up. People are opening shelters, caring for animals, delivering food and water, sharing supplies, offering rides and places to stay, and helping neighbors navigate what comes next.
In moments of terrible loss, we are reminded once again that everyday people have the power to accomplish extraordinary things together.
Find wildfire resources and support
The Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Resources page brings together information about shelter, food and water, healthcare, financial and legal assistance, transportation, animal support, volunteer opportunities, and other community resources.
Needs and availability may change quickly. Please check the page for the latest information and share it with anyone who may need help.
Take action against proposed data centers
As our community responds to these fires, our partners at Eastside Gladiators are also asking us to protect the water, air, land, and electricity infrastructure we all depend on. Here are three actions you can take:
1. Tell Avista NO DATA CENTERS!
Massive data centers would place enormous demands on our energy and water systems while driving up costs and environmental impacts for our communities. Tell Avista to prioritize people over corporate data centers by saying no to new data center development and investing in a sustainable, community-focused energy future.
Choose your preferred form of contact at https://www.myavista.com/about-us/contact-us
2. Contact state leaders.
Call Governor Ferguson at 360-902-4111 and contact your state legislators. Ask them to stand with local organizers and protect our communities from the environmental and financial costs of large data centers.
Find your Washington legislative district and representatives
3. Ask Spokane County to pause data-center development.
Email the Spokane County Commissioners at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. Ask them to pass a moratorium so our community can understand the potential effects before these projects move forward.
You can also email the Spokane County Planning Commission at [email protected].
Learn more at No Spokane Data Center.
Whether we are responding to an immediate disaster or protecting the resources our communities will rely on for generations, our strength comes from caring for one another and acting together.
In solidarity,
The PJALS Team