08/05/2026
💙 **To everyone affected by the Spokane-area fires...**
If you've been able to return to your property, **please don't throw away damaged photos, albums, negatives, slides, home movies, or keepsakes.**
Even if they're covered in soot, smoke, ash, or water, **gather whatever you can find and set it aside.** You don't have to deal with it today.
📸 Here are a few important tips:
• Wear clean gloves if possible to avoid transferring oils to the photos.
• Handle photos by the edges.
• If photos are wet, gently separate them only if they come apart easily. If they stick together, don't force them.
• Lay wet photos flat on a clean surface to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and never use a hair dryer or heat.
• Don't wipe away soot or scrub damaged photos. That can cause permanent damage.
• Place everything you recover in clean boxes or containers and store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to sort through them.
❤️ Most importantly...
**You don't have to make decisions today.**
Right now, your job is simply to **save what you can.** There will be time later to clean, restore, preserve, and organize these precious pieces of your family's story.
Our hearts are with every family, every first responder, and every displaced pet affected by these devastating fires.
Please take care of yourselves first.
💙 With love,
**Photo Memories Preserved**
*Preserve. Protect. Pass It On.*
