Doing Our Part to Support Spokane Residents After Devastating Wildfires

When disaster strikes the communities we serve, our team finds meaningful ways to help. That’s exactly what happened when the historic and devastating Spokane Complex wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes, displacing thousands of residents. We donated $100,000 to the local chapter of the American Red Cross, the largest one-time disaster relief donation in the Bank’s history. We also offered our Community Cares Disaster Relief Loan, a zero-interest, no-fee emergency loan available to residents impacted by the fires.

In just two days, the fast-moving wildfires swept through Spokane and surrounding communities, forcing the evacuation of more than 65,000 residents and destroying over 700 structures. Our American Red Cross donation helped support relief and recovery efforts for the impacted individuals and families. 

And to help families repair, rebuild or replace essential items, we activated our Community Cares disaster relief loan. This special zero interest, no-fee personal loan provides emergency financial support in the days immediately following a crisis, when funding from other sources may not yet be available. This loan helps bridge that gap by providing funds for essentials such as food, clothing and other immediate needs up to $15,000. During the 45-days immediately following the Spokane Complex wildfires, our team loaned more than $313,000.

“The American Red Cross donation is the largest disaster relief gift we have ever made to a single community, reflecting both the magnitude of the need and our commitment to helping our neighbors recover,” said Banner Bank President and CEO Mark Grescovich. “Activating our Community Cares loan was another way we were able to show up for our community—it’s all about doing the right thing.”

This was not the first time we activated our Community Cares loan. We’ve also offered it for wildfires and floods throughout our footprint in recent years.