The Salvation Army - Supporting Americans Affected by Wildfires

Founded in 1865, The Salvation Army is part of the universal Christian Church.

1. THE
SALVATION
ARMY -
SUPPORTING
AMERICANS
AFFECTED BY
WILDFIRES

2. Founded in 1865, The Salvation
Army is part of the universal
Christian Church. It is motivated by
God’s love to preach the gospel and
meet the critical needs of humans
across the world.

3. In the United States, The Salvation Army serves 23
million people annually. This includes people who have
been impacted by natural disasters such as wildfires. In
the first quarter of 2024, for example, The Salvation
Army provided critical assistance to families affected by
wildfires in Spokane, Washington, and in the Texas
panhandle.

4. In Spokane, residents were affected by the Gray and Oregon Road
wildfires, which raged in the second half of August 2023. The fires
engulfed 21,000 acres and destroyed 366 homes. The Salvation Army
sent three canteens to provide food, water, and emotional care to
communities hit by the fire. It also established a Disaster Assistance
Center that it ran in partnership with other relief agencies. Its case
managers in the area are still counseling families, assisting some with
gas vouchers and matching others with hotel stays.

5. In the Texas panhandle, Salvation Army staff and volunteers worked together to serve firefighters doing their
best to contain the Smokehouse Creek Fire. The fire erupted in the first weekend of March 2024 and spread
quickly to engulf 1.75 million acres, becoming the largest fire ever in the state. Besides serving firefighters,
The Salvation Army provided first responders and survivors with meals, water, and relief supplies.