It will take years to fully rebuild from the devastating wildfires that destroyed more than 800 homes in the Spokane area in August. 

Residents lost homes they lived in for decades and homes they just moved in to, homes they raised their children in and homes where they retired, along with precious memories and belongings. Those can’t be replaced. 

There was one known death tied to the Spokane Complex fires. Miraculously, there were no additional tragedies, thanks to first responders and the coordination of officials and crews on the ground.

Local leaders are already taking important steps to help residents and businesses rebuild. The city of Spokane issued its first permit to rebuild a wildfire-destroyed home 48 hours after receiving the application and reduced demolition fees to help with cleanup. 

Recovery should move at the speed of the devastation. That means streamlining permitting and helping residents bypass barriers that add months or even years – and significant costs – to construction. 

I saw the impacts firsthand when I visited family members in Spokane recently. They were among the more than 65,000 placed under evacuation orders during the first weekend in August. They were fortunate to have a home to return to. 

As the hard work of recovery begins, it’s encouraging – but not surprising – to see how Spokane is responding to this challenge. I know how resilient the region is. It’s where I started my career. Many of the people I worked with years ago are now leading the businesses and organizations that are on the front lines of recovery. 

Dozens of companies and community partners have stepped up. Greater Spokane Inc. and other business partners have created a central hub for fire resources. Spokane Valley bootmaker JK Boots donated more than 50 pairs of work boots to crews battling the fires. Walmart worked with Spokane Public Schools to get school supplies to impacted kids and families. And in an astonishing act of generosity, retired hotel developer Walt Worthy pledged $10,000 to each renter or homeowner who lost their home to the fires. There are many other examples, from Washington’s largest employers lending their support to neighbors performing small acts for neighbors. 

The immediate response has been swift. The rebuilding process should move with the same urgency.

Washington is already in a housing crisis and needs at least 1 million new housing units over the next 20 years. The wildfires threaten to put even more pressure on an already tight housing market and have disrupted home-based and microbusinesses. 

In his emergency proclamation, Gov. Bob Ferguson recognized that “rebuilding homes lost to the fires should be as streamlined as possible.” He directed state agencies to make recommendations for suspending or waiving state regulations and building code provisions to make rebuilding easier and more affordable.

Local governments will have a key role to play, issuing building and other permits needed to rebuild. The city of Spokane has already moved to accelerate the permitting process and waive fees.

Spokane businesses, organizations and community members have stepped up quickly and generously. We should continue to work together to help families rebuild at the speed of the devastation.

Kris Johnson is president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s chamber of commerce and manufacturers association.