When a fast-moving wildfire broke out near Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) on yesterday afternoon, our team at Spokane Transit (STA) answered the call playing a critical role in evacuating more than 230 people and 13 animals from the affected area.

The fire, reported just after 3:00 p.m., quickly prompted a request from emergency services for transportation support. STA bus drivers, already in the area, spotted the flames and alerted dispatch. Within minutes, STA buses and Paratransit vehicles were mobilized to help evacuate youth volleyball camp participants and coaches from SFCC’s athletic facilities, children and staff from the Early Learning Center, and later, families from the nearby Sister Haven Head Start.

As multiple fires continued to spread, believed to be intentionally set, STA coordinated a large-scale response with support from both Transportation Management and Paratransit teams. A total of 11 vehicles, including 35-, 40-, and 60-foot buses, Paratransit vans, and supervisor trucks, were deployed to assist in the evacuation.

“STA continues to be a trusted and valued partner in regional emergency response,” said Mike Hill, STA’s Director of Fixed Route Transportation. “Whether it’s wildfire evacuations, structure fires, or snow emergencies, our team is always ready.”

Evacuees were transported to community centers in Browne’s Addition and West Central, with return trips provided once it was safe to do so. During one evacuation trip, an STA bus driver assisted a passenger in medical distress. The woman was taken to Deaconess Hospital for evaluation.

STA’s Interim Co-CEO and Chief Operations Officer Brandon Rapez-Betty commended the teams for their swift action. “Our role in emergency response is not just a responsibility—it’s part of our mission to serve this community in any way we can.”

This response adds to STA’s growing legacy of emergency support, including the 2023 Gray Fire evacuations in Medical Lake and past deployments to assist during major protests, winter weather events, and other critical incidents.

“This is who we are,” said Hill. “Helping people—even in the toughest moments—is part of our purpose. And the community sees that.”