Wildfire Forces Evacuations in Northwest Spokane

A rapidly advancing wildfire fueled by strong winds and high temperatures engulfed parts of northwest Spokane on Saturday. Known as the Old Trails Fire, it began around noon in an open area, burning brush and grass before spreading towards residential zones.

Thousands have been evacuated as flames crossed the Spokane River. Roads became crowded with cars as residents left their homes. The fire’s smoke plume was visible from significant distances, as nearly 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) of land burned by evening, according to Courtney James from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The fire’s cause is still being investigated.

“We urge residents of Spokane to heed evacuation orders and to stay alert to changing conditions and evacuations as they are rapidly changing,” stated James.

Jessica Watson, another spokesperson from the department, mentioned that some structures were destroyed, but the total number remains unknown. Firefighters have yet to gain any containment by evening, and the wind continued to increase the fire’s spread.

Avista, the local power company, introduced public safety shutoffs in the affected area due to increased fire risks. The emergency situation prompted Governor Bob Ferguson to declare a state of emergency, especially given the unusually high temperatures and winds worsening wildfires statewide.

The National Weather Service also issued a red flag warning for eastern Washington, emphasizing the particularly dangerous conditions.