Upriver Fire Reignites Taxpayer Questions over Spokane 911 Split
Crews are using helicopters and retardant drops as the fire grows to nearly 300 acres and threatens about 500 homes, officials said.
- On Tuesday, a wildfire erupted east of Spokane near the Camp Sekani area, growing to approximately 230 acres and prompting Level 3 evacuation orders for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.
- High wind conditions and dry brush drove the fire's rapid spread through city-owned parkland within the jurisdiction of Spokane County Fire District 9, forcing officials to deploy aircraft and crews to contain the blaze.
- Spokane County Fire District 9 Chief Matthew Vinci reported that nearly 12,000 residents and 2,340 structures were threatened, while Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Ryan Rodruck confirmed the blaze reached 10% containment as of Wednesday morning.
- The fire renewed public debate over regional dispatching as the city of Spokane prepares to leave Spokane Regional Emergency Communications; Spokane Business Association president Gavin Cooley argued incidents like this "require seamless coordination."
- Spokotopia, an annual mountain biking event, was canceled as officials closed Camp Sekani to the public indefinitely; Spokane Parks Director Garrett Jones noted the fire impacted more acres of city parkland than any other in his memory.
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Upriver Fire in Washington has burned more than 220 acres
Firefighters are fighting the rapidly growing Upriver Fire in Spokane, Washington, which has burned more than 220 acres and is 10% contained. KHQ’s Belle Lewis reports on evacuation orders and local wind conditions.
Upriver Fire reignites taxpayer questions over Spokane 911 split
(The Center Square) - A wildfire that has forced evacuations in Spokane County and burned about 222 acres as of Wednesday is renewing concerns over whether taxpayers are best served by one countywide emergency dispatch network, or separate dispatch agencies…
Extent of damage to Camp Sekani unclear, mountain biking community pivot to fundraiser for fire victims
It’s not clear how badly Camp Sekani was damaged in the Upriver fire that ignited Tuesday, but the prognosis isn’t bright. The entirety of the park will remain closed to the public for the time being, with city crews working on installing signs along the numerous entry points warning people to turn back.
Evacuation orders issued for Spokane residents due to wildfire
Spokane residents near the Upriver fire are being urged to evacuate. 6/16/26 248p @scfd8 firefighters currently working on the #upriverfire pic.twitter.com/KmllMBbh6B — Spokane Co.FD8 Firefighters (@spokaneco8_3711) June 16, 2026 Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders have been issued for residents between E. Bigelow Gulch Rd. and the Spokane River. Level 2 “Be Set” orders have been given for residents in the surrounding area. UPDATED Level Evacua…
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