Typically, if Spokane, Washington is in the national news, it’s either because the Gonzaga men’s basketball team is doing really well or something very bad is happening. Sadly, right now, something terrible is happening, as three wildfires burn around the city. Thankfully, there’s lots of support and resources for those impacted, and to shine a bright and much-deserved light on all of this, Sydney Sweeney shared an emotional and educational message about the city we both call our home.
While Sydney Sweeney films all around the world and she is constantly traveling for work and play, Spokane, Washington is her hometown. So, in reaction to the fires that have collectively burned over 10,500 acres, destroyed over 700 structures, and forced 65,000 people to evacuate (per KREM 2), she posted the following statement on her Instagram story:
Spokane has always been home ot me. It’s where I grew up, where my family still lives, and where so many of the people and places that shaped me are. The devastating fires have changed countless lives in ways that are hard to put into words. Thousands of families have lost their homes, their belongings, and places of business, including members of my own family. This devastation is something our community has never experienced on this scale.
While wildfires happen every summer in the Pacific Northwest, in my lifetime, none have ever been this destructive or impacted an urban area in such a massive way. According to Incident Command (per KXLY), this is “likely the most destructive fire in Washington’s history.”
In Sweeney’s post, she highlighted how bad these fires are, and noted that this situation isn’t getting the same kind of attention larger cities have gotten in the past. For example, a year and a half ago LA was hit with wildfires that destroyed many celebrities’ homes and put a pause on multiple productions. The same kind of thing is happening in Spokane, and it deserves a spotlight, as the actress wrote:
Unlike larger cities that often receive an overwhelming amount of national attention and resources, Spokane doesn’t have the same spotlight. If you’re looking for ways to help, these are four organizations I’m supporting that are on the ground right now helping this community that needs us.
The organizations she’s supporting include:
- The Innovia Foundation is running the Spokane Complex Wildfire Fund, which supports nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations that were impacted by the fires.
- Spokanimal is providing care and housing for pets impacted by the fires.
- Watch Duty, a nonprofit run by retired firefighters, dispatchers and reporters who help keep people up to date about the fires.
- Second Harvest is helping with emergency food distribution in the area.
As someone who grew up in the Spokane area and has seen wildfires hit the region year after year, I’ve witnessed how much help these organizations provide firsthand. So, yes, it means the world that such a big actress is shining such a bright spotlight on them.
On the final slide, The Housemaid star explained that she’s started a fundraiser for these organizations as well, noting that “every donation, no matter the size, will help support those affected as they begin the long road to rebuilding.” She ended her statement by writing:
Thank you for standing with my hometown during one of its most difficult moments.
While Spokane has been getting national attention, having someone with such a massive platform highlight resources to help those affected is incredibly impactful. Along with her being the star of box office hits like The Housemaid and Anyone But You, Sydney Sweeney has 26 million followers on Instagram. Her message is bound to reach tons of folks who might not even know these fires are happening. Hopefully, her statement can support the city in getting even more help as it works to recover from these disastrous fires.
Overall, as someone who grew up in the Spokane area, seeing this kind of love and outreach makes me emotional. Sydney Sweeney is using her platform to make this problem more widely known, and hopefully it can help the people of this city we both call home bounce back.
