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🌱 Patch AM: Will Spokane’s new 20-year plan fix wildfire evacuation gridlock?

Happening soon: Creating Balance in Recovery on the Spokane Patch calendar

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Sunday September 13th Patch AM
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Greetings Spokane! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Spokane's new 20-year plan fix wildfire evacuation gridlock?
  • How close did Spokane's wildfire evacuations come to disaster?
  • Spokane architect's new role could reshape mentoring for young designers

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Cooler with periods of rain, with a high of 59 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Monday: Low clouds, then some sun, temps: high: 68, low: 46.
  • Tuesday: Clouds giving way to some sun, with a high of 67 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Spokane officials discuss wildfire preparedness in city's draft Comprehensive Plan (spokanepublicradio.org) — Spokane officials are reworking the city's draft Comprehensive Plan to better address wildfire evacuations, especially after gridlock during Indian Trails neighborhood evacuations. Residents can still weigh in before public comment closes Oct. 2, influencing future development, evacuation routes, and how Plan Spokane 2046 will guide land use and safety for the next 20 years.
   

2. 'We're lucky': Penned in, Spokane evacuees narrowly avoided catastrophe (spokesman.com) — Spokane residents who fled the 2026 Complex fires describe hours-long traffic jams, limited escape routes from Indian Trail, Five Mile Prairie, and along Highway 291, and how close the region came to tragedy. Officials now acknowledge the area's constrained road network and say the city and regional planners must rethink evacuation routes and development patterns to keep people safer in future wildfires.
   

3. Tyler Kavanaugh named next president of AIA Spokane (metalarchitecture.com) — Spokane architect Tyler Kavanaugh has been promoted to associate at ALSC Architects and will serve as president of the AIA Spokane chapter in 2027. Working largely with Eastern Washington school districts, she also represents the region nationally and plans a mentorship program to connect young Spokane-area designers with seasoned architects to support early careers.
   

4. Spokane woman remembers brother, sister-in-law killed aboard Flight 77 on 9/11 (krem.com) — A longtime Spokane resident is reflecting on the loss of her brother and sister-in-law, who were killed aboard Flight 77 on 9/11, and how that day reshaped her family. She shares vivid memories of learning they were on the Pentagon flight, traveling to Washington, D.C., and watching the country briefly unite, hoping younger generations understand both the tragedy and the resilience that followed.
   

5. Washington fire and flood victims can reconstruct lost tax records, IRS says (lynnwoodtimes.com) — If you live in Spokane or nearby areas hit by recent wildfires, the IRS is giving you extra time to file many federal tax returns and reconstruct lost financial records. The guidance explains how to replace tax documents, document property losses, and potentially claim casualty-loss deductions or future disaster aid tied to the Spokane-area fires.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This is a treasure trove for anyone who enjoys fresh produce, unique holiday gift ideas and fresh deli food...
    yum!! The staff is wonderful and remembers me when I go there too. They are local and part of the Hillyard Creative District's events....please check… (Nextdoor Hillyard)
  • I hear Coyotes on 33rd Ave Between Pittsburg and Perry!
    South Hill Lincoln Hts You might want to keep your animals inside where it's safe! (Nextdoor Lincoln View)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Janitor Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$47/Hr in Spokane. Apply here.
  • US Foods Holding Corp posted a job opening for Sanitation worker 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: They start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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