AUGUST 3, 2026

Wildfires in Spokane County destroy hundreds of structures and force tens of thousands to evacuate

Three wildfires — the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires — ignited Saturday in Spokane County, Washington, burning more than 7,000 acres with 0% containment as of early Monday. At least 600 structures have been destroyed and approximately 60,000–65,000 residents have been evacuated. No deaths or serious injuries had been confirmed as of Monday morning, though officials said a full assessment had not yet been completed.

Three wildfires tearing through Spokane County have leveled hundreds of homes and businesses and driven tens of thousands of residents from their homes since Saturday. The Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires together burned roughly 12 square miles by early Monday and remained entirely uncontained. The causes of the blazes are under investigation, though fire officials noted that two unauthorized drone operators were cited after at least 26 drone incursions over the fires on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

Monday offered firefighters a narrow window of relief, with lighter winds and temperatures near 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but forecasters said the reprieve would be short-lived. Temperatures were expected to climb back into the 90s by Wednesday, with no rain in the forecast. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, speaking at a news conference Sunday, said: "We are not out of danger. The next couple of days will be challenging."

Authorities set up a shelter at Spokane's main convention center, where about 400 people were staying as of Sunday, the AP reported. Spokane Public Schools opened a free emergency drop-in camp for children Monday, and county court trials scheduled for the week were continued to August 10. More than 100 National Guard members were activated to assist the response, and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said the state was pressing for longer-term federal support, with short-term FEMA aid expected to be approved soon, according to CNN.