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🌱 Patch AM: What the Spokane Complex Fires handoff means for local neighborhoods now

And check out Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on the Spokane Patch calendar

Tuesday August 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good day Spokane! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Spokane PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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In today's newsletter:

  • What the Spokane Complex Fires handoff means for local neighborhoods now
  • How STA's new 'See Say' app changes riding Spokane buses today
  • How Spokane fire survivors can safely handle hazardous debris removal now

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 91 and low of 59 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, temps: high: 90, low: 55.
  • Thursday: Hot with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 93 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. California Fire Management Team Hands Spokane Complex Fires Back to Local Agencies – [your]NEWS (yournews.com) — Command of the Spokane Complex Fires is shifting back to local agencies as containment nears 100%, bringing some relief after days of smoke, evacuations, and road closures. A California incident management team is departing after nearly two weeks coordinating a massive multi-state and international firefighting effort, while local crews continue patrols, hotspot checks, and recovery work around Spokane County.
   

2. Spokane Transit Authority launches 'See Say' app for rider safety reporting (krem.com) — Spokane Transit Authority riders now have a new "See Say" mobile app to quickly report safety, security, and maintenance concerns from buses, paratransit, stops, and STA facilities. The free Apple and Android app lets you send photos, video, and locations—anonymously if you choose—directly to STA security for non-emergencies, while 911 remains the go-to for urgent situations.
   

3. EPA hazmat teams start the fight against fire-related hazards (spokesman.com) — EPA hazmat crews are now going parcel by parcel through Spokane Complex fire zones to remove the most dangerous household chemicals, batteries, and other hazardous waste so rebuilding can eventually begin safely. Homeowners can opt out via Spokane County's website, but may then shoulder cleanup costs, and anyone with damaged property must follow Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency asbestos inspection rules before moving debris.
   

4. SPR News Today: A Coeur d'Alene urban forest receives some TLC (spokanepublicradio.org) — Spokane families recovering from the Spokane Complex fires face school starting August 26, with inspections and air-quality testing underway at affected Spokane Public Schools and extra support for displaced students. The podcast also covers Avista's proposed rate hike, a regional push for more renewable power, and a major tree replanting effort at North Idaho College's wind-battered campus.
   

5. Firefighters leave nearly $1,000 tip for waitress who lost home in Spokane wildfire (dailydispatch.com) — Firefighters battling the Spokane Complex Fires quietly rallied to support a young Olive Garden server whose family home was destroyed in the wildfire, leaving her nearly $1,000 in tips over two nights. The surprise gesture gave Spokane-area workers and fire crews a shared moment of hope and solidarity amid ongoing losses from the fires.
   

📸 Around Spokane

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Spokane

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Wednesday August 19
  • Genealogy Help: Drop-In!
    Spokane Public Library Central - Inland Northwest Special Collection
    10:00 am
  • Let's Make a Movie: Movie Camp
    Spokane Public Library Central - Video Studio
    1:00 pm
  • Open Mic at the Library!
    Spokane Public Library Central - nxʷyxʷyetkʷ Hall
    3:30 pm
  • Open Studio @ The Hive®
    Spokane Public Library The Hive -
    4:00 pm
  • Drop-in and Draw, Paint, Knit, Stitch...
    Spokane Public Library The Hive -
    4:30 pm
  • Managing Debt
    Spokane Public Library Shadle Park - Shadle Park Studio
    5:00 pm
  • Thursday August 20
  • Illuminations: The Art of Calligraphy
    Spokane Public Library Central - Inland Northwest Special Collection
    11:00 am
  • Let's Make a Movie: Movie Camp
    Spokane Public Library Central - Video Studio
    1:00 pm
  • Saturday August 29
  • Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac →
    Riverside Place, 1110 W Riverside Ave, Spokane
    5:30 pm
  • Saturday September 5
  • Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson →
    Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection, 10 S Post St, Spokane
    6:30 pm
  • Candlelight: Tribute to Pink Floyd →
    Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection, 10 S Post St, Spokane
    8:30 pm

📣 Spokane Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday August 18
  • Video Studio Drop-In
    Spokane Public Library Central - Video Studio
    10:00 am
  • Mindfulness Practice
    Spokane Public Library South Hill - South Hill Events
    12:30 pm
  • Let's Make a Movie: Movie Camp
    Spokane Public Library Central - Video Studio
    1:00 pm
  • Poetry for Everyone
    Spokane Public Library Shadle Park - Shadle Park Classroom
    4:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just moved into the neighborhood and there is an abandoned cat at my house.
    Hes been severely neglected. He is also just such a sweet boy. I dont have a lot of money right now, but I cant stand to see him like this. Where can… (Nextdoor Hillyard)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Raptor, a cat who went missing in Spokane, WA, has been safely reunited with their family after 4 hours, 33 minutes. Message from Owner: "He is… (Nextdoor Garland)
  • Flagship Facility Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Janitor (Spokane Airport 1st/2nd/3rd shift in Spokane. Apply here.
  • Menzies Aviation, plc posted a job opening for Ramp Agent in Spokane. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Spokane here.

Ok Spokane! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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