By Airik Myers, Northwest Region

On Saturday, Spokane resident Donna Carberry was settling in to watch the news in her home of twenty‑six years. Within minutes, her life changed as the Old Trails Fire swept through her neighborhood.

Now staying at the Red Cross evacuation shelter at the Spokane Convention Center, Donna shared her story with Red Cross volunteer Denise Cohen on August 6, 2026, as wildfires continued to threaten communities across Eastern Washington.

A Sudden Escape

Donna remembers the exact moment the fire reached her home.

“It was Saturday at noon, exactly at noon because I wasn’t dressed and I was going to sit down and watch the news, and then take a shower,” she said.

Her three‑year‑old German Shepherd, Shadow, began acting urgently. He ran to the back door and threw himself against it, trying to get her attention.

“He tried to tell me before that, but I wasn’t getting it, so then he stepped it up, Donna said. He’s sore just from even doing it.”

When Donna opened the door, she saw flames climbing the steps and reaching her deck. The fire had already reached her home.

With only seconds to act, Donna grabbed Shadow and escaped as wildfire spread through the neighborhood. The home she had lived in for more than two decades was destroyed.

Wildfires Impacting the Spokane Region

The Old Trails Fire is one of several wildfires burning across the Spokane area this week. Hot, dry conditions, and shifting winds have pushed fires close to homes and forced thousands of residents to evacuate with little warning.

Entire neighborhoods have been damaged, and families are facing the emotional toll of losing homes, belongings, and familiar routines.

To support those affected, the Red Cross opened an evacuation center at the Spokane Convention Center shelter, providing a safe place to stay, meals, emotional support and help connecting with recovery resources. When Donna arrived with Shadow, Red Cross volunteers welcomed them and helped them settle in.

Finding Support After Loss

While Donna’s escape was quick and frightening, she expressed gratitude for the support she received at the shelter.

Volunteers like Denise Cohen spent time with her, offered comfort, and helped her navigate her new phone, which Donna said was her first cell phone ever.

For many evacuees, the shelter serves as more than a place to sleep. It is a place where people can find support, share their experiences and begin planning for what comes next.

A Community Working Through Disaster

The fires have had a significant impact on the Spokane region. Residents are facing displacement, uncertainty, and loss. The Red Cross continues to work with local partners to support evacuees, provide health services, and connect families with resources that will help them rebuild.

Donna’s story reflects the reality many Washington residents are facing this wildfire season: lives can change in an instant.

 Thanks to Shadow’s quick instincts, Donna escaped safely. Today, she and many others affected by the fires are taking the first steps toward recovery, supported by volunteers and a community coming together in a time of need.