Save the Children Mobilizes to Protect Washington State Kids as Wildfires Threaten Families, Communities

National Leader in Child-Focused Disaster Response to Deliver Emergency Supplies, Cash Assistance to Families, Support Childcare Recovery and Mental Health Needs  

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (July 29, 2026) — As fast-moving wildfires continue to burn across central and eastern Washington, threatening homes, schools, communities and children's health, Save the Children is working to meet the most critical needs of children and families in some of the areas hardest hit by the fires.

The global nonprofit’s emergency response team and local staff in Washington are mobilizing to deliver essential child-focused supplies, including diapers and wipes, along with emergency cash assistance to families most in need – to help them quickly cover urgent costs, such as food and water, air purifiers, hygiene items, temporary lodging, and lost income because of the fires. The emergency aid will support families in affected tribal lands and across Ferry, Okanogan and Yakima counties.  

Save the Children is also coordinating with partners to help ensure children have safe spaces – and the supplies – to play, learn and experience a sense of normalcy at area evacuation shelters.  

"Wildfires can upend a child's life in a matter of minutes. As families are forced from their homes and communities face ongoing uncertainty, children can lose the routines, stability and sense of security they rely on every day," said Amee Barlet, Save the Children’s Washington State Director. "In times of crisis like these, families need immediate support to help keep their children safe and healthy while they begin to recover. Save the Children is working alongside local partners to provide critical assistance now, and to help children and families navigate the difficult weeks and months ahead."

The organization is also communicating with local childcare networks to better understand the extent of wildfire impacts and help ensure childcare and early learning centers can recover. In addition, Save the Children's psychosocial team is connecting with community organizations to assess the mental health needs of impacted children and caregivers and begin planning long-term recovery support.

Save the Children has been helping America’s children recover from major disasters for over 20 years, including last year’s devastating wildfires in California, and destructive flooding in Washington. The organization has also been working in Washington state since 2008 – leading early education programs in some of the most under-resourced rural communities.

By contributing to the Children's Emergency Fund, you can help Save the Children protect kids in the United States when disasters like the Washington wildfires strike. To learn more, please go to www.SavetheChildren.org.  

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