Email message sent to all EWU employees from Cesar Portillo, vice president for people and culture, on Friday Aug. 14.
Dear EWU Employees,
Eastern Washington University recognizes the significant impact that the recent wildfire emergencies have had on members of our community. To provide support to employees experiencing serious wildfire-related hardships, the University has adopted an emergency policy, Wildfire Leave Policy (EWU Policy 403-07), effective August 1, 2026. This policy was approved by the President on an emergency basis and will remain in effect through February 14, 2027, unless adopted as a permanent policy.
What the Policy Provides:
Employees who experience extraordinary or severe impacts from a wildfire disaster may request up to 24 hours of paid wildfire leave per wildfire event. Qualifying circumstances include:
- Being subject to a Level 3 Evacuation Order
- Experiencing significant damage to or loss of a home due to a wildfire disaster
Using Wildfire Leave
- Up to 24 hours of paid leave is available for each qualifying wildfire disaster.
- Leave must be used within three months of the wildfire disaster.
- Leave does not need to be taken consecutively and may be used in partial-day increments.
- Supervisors are encouraged to provide flexibility in scheduling the leave whenever operationally feasible.
- Impacted employees should use the code “Other Paid Leave” and make a note that it is wildfire related when submitting their timesheet.
Need Additional Time?
If additional time away from work is needed after wildfire leave has been exhausted, employees should work with their supervisor and Human Resources to review other available options, which may include:
- Flexible work arrangements or modified schedules
- Vacation leave
- Personal holiday or personal leave day (if applicable)
- Compensatory time
- Sick leave (for eligible reasons)
- Leave without pay
Employees who anticipate needing ongoing support are encouraged to contact Human Resources as soon as possible to discuss available resources and options.
We understand that wildfire disasters can create extraordinary challenges for employees and their families. EWU is committed to supporting affected employees while maintaining continuity of operations and service to our students.
If you have questions about the policy or how to request wildfire leave, please contact Human Resources at hr@ewu.edu. Updates regarding the Spokane Complex Fire Support can be found on InsideEWU, and the Wildfire FAQ has been updated.
Respectfully,
Cesar Portillo
Vice President for People and Culture
