Officials urge patience on re-entry, point evacuees to Spokane Convention Center and vetted donation channels

Mayor Brown urged gratitude, patience and hope for residents and emphasized that re-entry will be neighborhood-by-neighborhood. "We don't know. It's neighborhood by neighborhood and block by block," the mayor said, asking residents to follow guidance from professionals rather than social-media reports.

Spokane County Commissioner Josh Kearns warned against flying drones near active fire areas because drones can ground aerial firefighting assets: "Please do not fly drones." A Red Cross-affiliated speaker directed evacuees to the Spokane Convention Center for shelter and immediate needs, saying its partners provide shelter, meals and health and mental-health support. Officials encouraged donations through trusted channels such as redcross.org and local vetted foundations.