- Fast-moving wildfires in Spokane County have destroyed more than 600 structures, with Mayor Lisa Brown calling it the worst natural disaster the region has faced.
- As of Sunday evening, the Spokane Complex of fires remains at zero containment after burning over 7,000 acres.
- Entire neighborhoods in northwest Spokane have been wiped out by the flames, prompting mass evacuations.
- The fires, driven by strong winds and soaring temperatures, have led to the evacuation of thousands of people in eastern Washington state.
- The cause of the fires is currently under investigation, with no deaths reported so far.
- Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on Saturday due to the escalating situation.
Wildfires in Spokane County have wreaked havoc, burning over 7,000 acres and destroying an estimated 600 structures. Mayor Lisa Brown labeled it the “worst natural disaster our region has faced,” as firefighting efforts struggle with zero containment.123
The fires, including the Old Trails Fire and Fairview Fire, have prompted mass evacuations, with entire neighborhoods in northwest Spokane wiped out. “We know we have more than 600 structures that have been destroyed, and we’re very certain that number will increase,” said Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove.4
As of Sunday evening, 4,000 firefighters were engaged in battling the blazes, which have been fueled by strong winds and soaring temperatures. “It has the most potential to just kind of get out and go wild,” Upthegrove warned.5
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency, stating, “There are just so many Washingtonians who have literally lost everything in a very, very short period of time.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized federal funds to assist in firefighting efforts.8
Despite the destruction, no fatalities have been reported, although Mayor Brown cautioned, “We are still assessing the potential for lives to be lost.” Evacuation shelters have been set up at local schools and the Spokane Convention Center, while an animal shelter operates at the Spokane County Fairgrounds.
Power outages affected over 30,000 customers at the peak, with 10,000 still without power as of Sunday evening. Residents are urged to heed evacuation orders as conditions remain volatile.
“Fires have burned more than 7,000 acres, with an estimated 600 structures destroyed and about 10,000 customers still without power Sunday evening. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency Saturday and FEMA authorized federal funds for three fires as the cause remains under investigation.”
CBS News
