The Inchelium School District in rural Washington may not welcome students back to its classrooms until October after wildfires damaged its schools.

To help, Coeur d’Alene trustees voted unanimously Monday to donate two portable classrooms to the Washington district.

“Their community’s definitely really hurting — they’ve been heavily impacted by fire,” said Seth Deniston, Coeur d’Alene’s deputy superintendent of operations.

Inchelium Superintendent Brian Freeman nearly cried when he heard Coeur d’Alene might donate the portables, Deniston said.

The two portables are 35 years old and dilapidated. According to a summary published in the board meeting agenda, they have a Facilities Condition Index score of 60% — well beyond the 30% mark that indicates critical condition, and above the 5% rating for a building in good condition.

Removing the old buildings also helps Coeur d’Alene, which has been trying to eliminate aging portables in recent years.

“This is obviously a very good feel-good story,” said Trustee Lisa Aitken. “And I’m happy we’re doing it as well.”

The Inchelium district will reimburse Coeur d’Alene for the cost of moving the portables. Coeur d’Alene had provided the Kellogg School District with two portables in a similar agreement.

Deniston said that once Coeur d’Alene has removed all the aged portables, leaders might consider selling off its newer ones.