Amazon expands wildfire relief efforts in Eastern Washington

SEATTLE — Amazon is expanding its disaster-relief efforts in Eastern Washington as wildfires continue to displace residents and strain communities throughout the region.

The company said that more than 54,000 donated supplies are being delivered to firefighters and evacuees through partnerships with several nonprofit organizations. The supplies include air purifiers, masks, towels, hygiene kits, shelf-stable food, and hydration packets.

The first truckloads arrived in Washington on Aug. 5, coming from Amazon’s specialized Wildfire Relief hub in California. Amazon facilities in the Spokane area are now serving as local distribution points, with additional deliveries planned throughout the week.

The company said shipments are being customized based on requests from nonprofit partners and include items such as diapers, wipes, sports drinks, and snacks.

“Amazon’s support has made an immediate and meaningful difference for those affected by the fires,” said Christine Brischle, vice president of Philanthropy & Mission Advancement at the YMCA of the Inland Northwest. “We were honored to provide hygiene kits to the brave firefighters working tirelessly to protect our communities and distribute air purifiers to families experiencing the harmful effects of wildfire smoke in their homes and throughout the community. One family shared how much it meant to receive one for their child who suffers from severe asthma. These gifts are providing comfort, protection, and peace of mind to some of our most vulnerable neighbors during an incredibly difficult time.”

Amazon is working with multiple organizations, such as

• American Red Cross
• Care
• Partners Inland Northwest
• Project Beauty Share
• Northwest Harvest
• Salvation Army
• Save the Children
• YMCA of Inland Northwest

The company is also providing assistance to employees and partners affected by the fires through an Amazon relief fund. In addition, Amazon has made cash donations to the H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund and Second Harvest to support families who have lost their homes.

Amazon volunteers are helping to pack hygiene kits and prepare additional supplies for distribution.

The response is part of Amazon’s broader disaster-relief program. The company operates 12 Disaster Relief hubs across seven countries, stocked with emergency supplies ready for deployment during disasters. Since 2017, Amazon said it has donated and delivered more than 30 million essential supplies in response to more than 200 disasters worldwide.