Workers and communities shouldn’t foot the bill for Big Oil’s mess

By: Shemona Moreno, Edgar Franks

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: October 15, 2026

Words: 806

Last Updated: 2 days, 9 hours ago

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More than 70,000 people were evacuated as wildfires engulfed Spokane, reducing entire neighborhoods to ash. Hundreds lost their homes. Damage is expected to exceed $1 billion, the most expensive wildfires in Washington’s history.

And while some point out that arson started the fire, it’s clear that the damage wouldn’t be nearly as destructive without the dry, hot conditions fueled by climate change.

When fires, floods, and heatwaves strike, the costs fall disproportionately …

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