Wildfires in Spokane Continue to Rage, Evacuations Underway

Allen Sather and his wife Kimberley embraced one another at the charred remains of their duplex on W. Indian Trail Rd., scorched by a wildfire in Spokane, Wash. on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026.

Lower temperatures are predicted in the Spokane area, offering hope to firefighters battling three major wildfires. These blazes have ravaged over 7,000 acres, destroyed approximately 600 homes, and necessitated the evacuation of around 60,000 people. The fires’ origin is still unknown, but high winds and hot, dry weather have fueled them.

Local and visiting firefighters are striving to control the fires. No immediate reports of deaths or injuries have surfaced. These fires are part of many burning across the Western U.S.

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown shared on NPR’s Morning Edition that nearly half of the city’s neighborhoods face evacuation or are at risk. The fire has reached 12 square miles and remains uncontrolled. Brown commented, “A large geography has been labeled Level 3, which means get out immediately. We’ve had fires before, but not to this magnitude.”

The largest fire, the Old Trails Fire, located northwest of Spokane, spans more than 3,600 acres as per the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The Autumn Lane Fire and the Fairview Fire also threaten Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, home to more than 230,000 residents.

Though cooler temperatures could assist firefighters, Mayor Brown reported that progress has been minimal, saying, “The winds have shifted, and the fires remain uncontained.” Many in Washington have long acknowledged the risks of climate change, attempting to mitigate wildfire threats. “This is an unprecedented situation,” warned Brown, “and it’s not over yet.” No rain is anticipated in the near future.

Videos showed black smoke billowing from neighborhoods, leaving only brick chimneys where houses once stood, according to the Associated Press. Alicia Davidson, who lost her home, lamented, “To see everything gone and know we have to start over is devastating,” she told Northwest News Network’s Anna King.

Hundreds, including elderly residents, are staying at a Red Cross shelter in downtown Spokane. Nursing staff assist with personal care needs behind blankets.

Governor Bob Ferguson, speaking at a news conference with local, state, and federal officials, stated that his office is collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to secure disaster assistance. “Many Washingtonians have lost everything in a very short period,” Ferguson noted. “Their lives changed dramatically in hours.” Senator Maria Cantwell emphasized, “We are not out of danger,” warning that the upcoming days will be challenging.