Spokane Wildfires Destroy 600 Buildings as 60,000 Residents Evacuate
The Spokane wildfires have forced around 60,000 people to evacuate after several fast-moving fires swept through eastern Washington, destroying at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures. Officials warned that dangerous weather conditions could allow the fires to spread further in the coming days.
The fires have burned more than 8.2 square miles (21 square kilometers) around Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city. Meanwhile, wildfires across the state have scorched nearly 390 square miles (1,000 square kilometers), with several major fires still uncontained.
Thousands Forced to Leave Their Homes
Emergency officials confirmed that tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated from neighborhoods across Spokane County.
The evacuation order also included patients from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Spokane as firefighters worked to protect critical infrastructure.
Although no deaths or serious injuries have been reported, authorities stressed that search operations remain ongoing and conditions could change quickly.
Hundreds of Structures Destroyed
The Spokane wildfires have caused widespread destruction across several communities.
Emergency crews reported that at least 600 structures have been destroyed, including:
- Residential homes
- Local businesses
- Farm buildings
- Community facilities
Images from affected areas showed neighborhoods reduced to ashes, with some structures leaving only chimneys behind after the fires swept through.
Strong Winds Fuel Fire Growth
Firefighters say powerful winds continue to create dangerous conditions.
According to emergency officials, gusts between 35 and 45 mph (56–72 km/h) are pushing flames rapidly through steep canyons and dry vegetation around Spokane.
The region’s rugged terrain is making containment efforts particularly difficult.
Benjamin Cossel, a spokesperson for the federal incident management team, said the weather and landscape were creating significant challenges for firefighters.
Multiple Fires Continue Burning
Three major fires remain active around Spokane:
- Old Trails Fire
- Fairview Fire
- Meadowview Fire
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency, while the National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning because of extreme fire conditions.
Wildfires Spread Across the Western United States
The wildfire emergency extends beyond Washington.
In Idaho and Oregon, firefighters continue battling a massive wildfire that has burned nearly 525 square miles (1,360 square kilometers) of grassland.
The fire threatens hundreds of homes and ranches as dry weather continues to fuel its growth.
Meanwhile, a rapidly expanding wildfire in central Utah has grown to more than 56 square miles (145 square kilometers) after strong overnight winds pushed flames beyond containment lines.
Officials described conditions there as catastrophic after more than 100 cattle were killed and mandatory evacuations were ordered near Fillmore.
Power Outages Continue
The wildfires have also disrupted electricity across eastern Washington.
Utility company Avista reported that approximately 10,000 customers remained without power after outages peaked at around 30,000.
Officials warned that additional outages remain possible while crews repair damaged transmission lines.
Emergency Shelters Open
Spokane authorities opened emergency shelters at the city’s convention center to support displaced residents.
Hundreds of evacuees are staying there while emergency crews assess damage across affected neighborhoods.
Many families are still waiting for information about whether their homes survived the fires.
Dry Weather Keeps Fire Danger High
Meteorologists expect dry conditions to continue throughout the week.
Low humidity, strong winds and warm temperatures are likely to keep fire danger high across much of the Pacific Northwest.
Emergency officials continue urging residents to follow evacuation orders and remain alert as firefighters work around the clock to contain the Spokane wildfires.
