Fast-moving wildfire burns over 250 acres near Spokane Valley, prompting large evacuations
A wind-driven blaze on Tuesday scorched more than 250 acres on Beacon Hill, destroying homes and forcing the evacuation of nearly 12,000 residents, while state and local agencies mobilized extensive firefighting resources.
A rapidly spreading wildfire on Beacon Hill near Spokane Valley burned over 250 acres on Tuesday, prompting a Level 3 evacuation that affected about 11,750 residents and threatened 2,340 structures, according to Spokane County Fire District 9 Chief Matthew Vinci. The fire, first reported at 12:30 p.m., grew from one acre to 50 acres within an hour as 30-mph winds and low humidity fanned the flames.
Vinci said more than 300 personnel and over 65 fire apparatus were on scene by evening, supported by dozens of engines from the Department of Natural Resources, the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley, and mutual-aid crews from North Idaho and western Washington. About ten aircraft, including air tankers and helicopters, were also deployed to drop water and fire retardant.
"Wind-driven fires are very, very dangerous and move very rapidly," Vinci told reporters, adding that the region’s red-flag warning and dense vegetation heightened the risk.
Governor Bob Ferguson announced on social media that a FEMA assistance request had been submitted and was expected to be approved that night. The fire’s origin remains under investigation.
Local residents described the blaze’s intensity. One homeowner, Malek Chreiki, said he watched the fire jump from house to house and expressed concern that his uninsured home could be lost. Another long-time resident, Jenny Tate-Leard, noted that this year’s fire season had been the worst she could recall in her 27 years on Beacon Hill.
The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, providing food, cots and basic supplies. Avista de-energized power lines in parts of the Indian Trail neighborhood, affecting about 1,800 customers, and set up a resource center at Skyline Elementary School for those without electricity.
School officials adjusted transportation plans for students in the affected area, suspending afternoon bus service north of Upriver Drive and arranging pickups at local schools. Firefighters were able to protect several homes, including stopping flames just short of a deck on Columbia Drive.
The fire is expected to continue burning for several days as crews work to contain it.