Spokane bootmaker opens its headquarters as ‘recharge station’ for firefighters

Digital Curator

A Spokane bootmaker is stepping up to support firefighters on the front lines of Washington’s wildfires.

Video above: Spokane residents react to news of arson suspect arrest

JK Boots, which sells boots made by hand in Spokane, Washington, announced that it had set up a recharge station at its headquarters, offering firefighters hot food, coffee, water and a place to recover.

The brand is donating 100% of profits from in-person and online sales on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to the Innovia Foundation’s Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund. It’s also giving out 50 pairs of handmade boots to active firefighters.

“The fight came to our home,” said Tim Khadzhi of JK Boots in a press release. “We have spent many years making boots for the men and women who run toward these fires. They hold the line for us. This is the least we can hold for them.”

Three fires in and around Spokane, Washington’s second-biggest city, have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced about 65,000 people to evacuate. More than 10,500 acres have been burned.

On Wednesday, fire officials said there was finally some containment in the fires.

No deaths have been reported, and cooler weather helped firefighters Tuesday. However, hotter, drier and windier conditions are expected later in the week.

At least one person has been arrested in connection with one of the three blazes.