Fire Officials: Over 900 Structures Lost as Spokane Area Fires Continue to Burn
Officials say the fires have burned over 900 structures and prompted large shelters as crews work to contain three blazes.
- As of Friday, the Spokane Complex fires have destroyed 913 structures and forced more than 60,000 evacuations, with containment reaching 37% for the Autumn Lane Fire, 23% for the Old Trails Fire, and 31% for the Fairview Fire.
- Record-Low fuel moisture not seen in 21 years, combined with drought and heat, has created extreme fire conditions in Eastern Washington. A red flag warning remains in effect through Saturday at 9 p.m.
- Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels announced that police arrested a suspect for starting the Old Trails Fire, while more than 1,500 personnel from over 20 states battle the blazes.
- Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson authorized the National Guard to support firefighting as the federal government approved Washington state's emergency declaration, mobilizing disaster relief efforts.
- Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, Washington State adjutant general, described the scene as a "war zone" that will leave "a very significant emotional event for this community long term." Over 400 residents remain sheltered at the Spokane Convention Center.
12 Articles
12 Articles
As Spokane Burns, a Record Northwestern Fire Season Shows No Signs of Slowing
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. Matthew Kincanon spent Saturday drinking coffee from his favorite mug and planning an afternoon with friends, until the Old Trails fire exploded across the Spokane River, a few miles from his home. Although the fire was small by most standards — a few hundred acr…
Experts Say Get Used To Fires Like The One In Spokane Or Something
Will this US Today screed mention something rather germane to the discussion, or just be cult businees Spokane fires burned a path of devastation. Experts say get used to it It didn’t have to be Spokane. A fast-moving wildfire could sweep into the suburbs of any one of hundreds of cities across the United States. It’s...
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