Commercial Client Alert Bulletin: Spokane Complex Wildfire Impacting Businesses Across Eastern Washington

To Our Valued Commercial Clients,

We want to ensure you are aware of the significant wildfire activity affecting businesses, property owners, and communities throughout the Spokane region. Multiple fast-moving wildfires have resulted in evacuation orders, road closures, power disruptions, and widespread property damage across Eastern Washington. Fire conditions remain active, and additional weather-related risks may continue to challenge firefighting efforts.

Current Conditions Affecting Businesses

• Active Wildfires: Multiple fires, including Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane, have impacted the Spokane area.
• Evacuations & Access Issues: Widespread evacuation orders and restricted access may affect employees, customers, and worksites.
• Road, Utility & Communication Disruptions: Power outages, road closures, and service interruptions may affect operations and supply chains.
• Smoke & Air Quality Concerns: Poor air quality may affect employee safety, outdoor work, and business continuity.
• Ongoing Fire Risk: Fire conditions may change quickly based on weather, containment activity, and local emergency orders.

If Your Business or Property Is Impacted

1. Prioritize Employee Safety
   • Follow all evacuation orders and emergency notifications.
   • Suspend operations where conditions are unsafe.
   • Communicate regularly with employees regarding worksite status and return-to-work expectations.
2. Protect Your Property (If Safe to Do So)
   • Secure buildings and outdoor equipment before evacuation.
   • Remove combustible materials from around structures when practical.
   • Shut down non-essential utilities and equipment as appropriate.
   • Document conditions before and after any mitigation efforts.
3. Document All Damage Thoroughly
   • Take photos and videos of all affected property.
   • Document damage to buildings, equipment, inventory, vehicles, and business personal property.
   • Maintain records of emergency expenses, clean-up efforts, and temporary protective measures.
4. Report Claims Immediately
   • Contact us as soon as possible so we can assist with property damage claims, business interruption / extra expense guidance, equipment losses, commercial auto damage, debris removal considerations, and carrier coordination.

Key Insurance Notes for Commercial Policyholders

• Commercial Property policies may respond to direct physical loss or damage caused by fire, subject to policy terms and conditions.
• Business Interruption coverage may apply when there is direct physical damage from a covered cause of loss that results in a suspension of operations.
• Extra Expense coverage may help with temporary relocation, emergency mitigation, rental equipment, or alternate operating locations.
• Civil Authority coverage may apply when government orders restrict access to insured premises, depending on policy language and the circumstances of the loss.
• Time Element coverages often require detailed documentation of lost income and continuing operating expenses.

If you are unsure what applies to your policy, please reach out to your service team. We will review your coverage and help guide you through the claims process.

We Are Actively Supporting Impacted Businesses

• Claims reporting & coordination
• Review of your property and business interruption coverage
• Loss mitigation guidance
• Carrier communication and documentation support
• Claims advocacy throughout the adjustment process

Please stay safe, protect employees first, and contact us immediately if you experience property damage or operational interruption.

We are here to support you through this event.

To file a claim, click here.

Important Coverage Reminder

Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and endorsements of the applicable insurance policy. This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not amend, extend, or alter policy coverage.

Sources used for condition summary: CBS News, Yahoo News/Reuters, and Washington State Standard updates from August 2-3, 2026.