A fast-moving wildfire in Spokane last week claimed at least one life, destroyed 14 homes, and left dozens of families scrambling to cover immediate expenses — and a regional credit union is stepping in with emergency financing to help them get back on their feet.
STCU announced it is offering special disaster relief loans to eligible members affected by the Upriver fire, which swept up a hillside above Camp Sekani, a mountain biking and recreation area, and consumed homes in the Northwoods neighborhood. Six residences along the west side of North Emerald Lane were among those destroyed.
Loan Terms and Eligibility
The credit union is making loans available at a 2.99% annual percentage rate — well below the 6.74% APR typically associated with comparable home equity lines of credit. Borrowers can access up to $10,000, and no payments are required during the first 90 days of the loan term. The program runs through October 31.
To qualify, applicants must have been STCU members before the Monday following the fire. All loans remain subject to approval, and individual terms may vary.
STCU spokesperson Dan Hansen acknowledged the program has limits, but emphasized its practical value for people in immediate financial distress. “Obviously $10,000 isn’t going to replace a house,” he said, “but it will help people while they’re waiting for insurance.”
Lindsey Myhre, speaking on behalf of STCU, described the credit union’s motivation for launching the program. “Our hearts were with the families, businesses, and communities impacted by the wildfire,” she said. “We know many of our members and employees were facing uncertainty and potential loss.”
A Familiar Response to Regional Disaster
The program follows a model STCU has used before. The credit union issued similar low-rate emergency loans when wildfires struck Elk, Medical Lake, and Malden in prior years, positioning itself as a community-focused financial resource during regional emergencies.
The Upriver fire’s destruction comes as much of the Inland Northwest and broader Pacific Northwest region grapple with dry conditions. Drought conditions have already forced Idaho canal companies to cut water deliveries by as much as 33 percent along the Snake River region, a sign that wildfire risk may remain elevated through the summer months ahead.
For affected families who need to cover temporary housing, replace basic household goods, or bridge the gap while insurance claims are processed, the STCU program offers a lower-cost alternative to high-interest personal loans or credit cards.
What Comes Next
Eligible STCU members can apply for disaster relief loans online at stcu.org/wildlife-relief, by calling 509-326-1954, or by visiting an STCU branch in person. The application window closes October 31, giving affected households several months to access the funds. With insurance settlements often taking weeks or months to finalize, financial institutions like STCU may play a meaningful bridging role for families whose recovery timeline stretches well into the fall.