I have been evacuated and impacted by the wildfires, and I’m not able to report to work, what leave type should I use?
On August 1, 2026, Governor Ferguson issued a statewide wildfire emergency, as a result of this declaration, employees who are displaced or impacted by the wildfires may use accrued leave if they are not able to report to work as scheduled. Use of sick leave will need to be in alignment with policy and/or the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
What resources are available regarding wildfire smoke exposure?
Numerous Washington state agencies are providing resources regarding wildfire smoke exposure, including the Department of Labor and Industries, Department of Ecology, and the Department of Health. If you are experiencing health issues, as a result of wildfire smoke exposure, please work with your supervisor to take leave (sick, vacation, personal holiday or leave without pay).
I want to donate to those impacted by the ongoing wildfires, what options are available to me?
For EWU, folks can donate to the Student Emergency Fund (student impacts only) and to the EWU Food Pantry Program (students, faculty and staff impacts). Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown’s Office has also provided links to City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund, The Innovia Foundation, as well as Second Harvest.
Where is the best place to get information on evacuation updates?
The Spokane Regional Emergency Communications group has an evacuation zone map, that is regularly updated.
I want to share information about a Go Fund Me / You Caring Account and/or personal fundraiser for someone who was impacted by the fires, can I send that out using my EWU email?
At this time, we would recommend against using EWU email for the personal donation of others, in order to stay in compliant with the Ethics in Public Service Act. Should resources be needed for impacted EWU staff, that will be cared for on a case-by-case basis.
I want to volunteer to help with the wildfire efforts, am I allowed to do that on work time?
Per EWU Policy 401-08 – Release Time, if the activities you want to volunteer for are not part of your job, and if they occur during your scheduled work time, you would need to request approval from your supervisor to be released to participate. Release time will require use of your own accrued leave (vacation, compensatory time, or leave without pay) in order to volunteer. If possible, you may be able to flex time with your supervisor.
Are there any exceptions to the rules, regarding volunteering, considering the wildfires have been declared an emergency by the Governor?
Unfortunately, no. The guidance that has been provided by the Governor’s Office does not include any exceptions to the Ethics in Public Service Act. Folks who want to volunteer will need to make arrangements with their supervisor to use their own accrued leave (vacation, compensatory time, or leave without pay).
During the Gray Fire, in August 2023, the Governor’s Proclamation included provisions for expanded use of sick leave, as well as shared leave donation and usage, is that going to be in place this time?
The current proclamation from the Governor’s Office does not include a provision for expanded use of sick leave, or shared leave, at this time. EWU, as well as many other state agencies and institutions, have requested this expansion. Should additional flexibility be granted, it will be communicated by HR.
I want to donate to the Washington State Combined Fund Drive, specifically to support the wildfire resources. Can I do this through payroll deduction?
Yes, you have two options on how to set up payroll deductions.
Online: Donate, update, and manage your contributions online at the CFD Portal. All Washington State employees already have a Combined Fund Drive account.
Paper Form: Stop by the EWU Benefits Office or download and complete the contribution form. You can return the form to either – Washington State Combined Fund Drive, PO Box 40250, Olympia, WA 98504 OR EWU Benefits Office atShowalter Hall, Room 318.
Can I make a one-time donation through payroll deduction?
Yes, you can make a one-time donation or a recurring donation through payroll deduction.
Can I donate to multiple charities, or do I have to pick just one?
You can donate to as many charities as you like in the dollar amounts that you choose. The Combined Fund Drive has a Disaster Relief Center with a link for direct secure payments and donations, as well as a list of the organizations who can access those funds. More information on the Combined Fund Drive can be found here.
