Wildfire forces evacuation of thousands in north Spokane after crossing river

A wind-driven wildfire that ignited on Saturday afternoon crossed the Spokane River and entered the Indian Trail neighborhood, prompting level-3 (go-now) evacuation orders just before 3:30 p.m. The orders were later expanded to cover all areas of the city north of Francis Avenue and west of Division Street, affecting thousands of residents.

By 4:30 p.m., the Old Trails fire had burned roughly 2,500 acres, fueled by gusts of 35-45 mph. Fire crews worked to protect nearby structures, including a Catholic church and a school, while police directed traffic as residents fled southward.

Spokane City Councilwoman Kitty Klitzke urged people to stay off roads unless evacuating and noted that Spokane Transit Authority buses were being used for evacuations. County Commissioner Al French warned that the damage could be “tragic” and encouraged neighbors to offer shelter to those displaced. Sheriff John Nowels deployed deputies for door-to-door evacuations, and emergency-management deputy director Chandra Fox coordinated additional wildland firefighters, including units from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.

The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center and Spokane Health and Rehabilitation Home were placed under evacuation orders, with patients transferred to nearby hospitals. Smoke thickened across North Driscoll Boulevard and West Francis Avenue, and flames were visible in Riverside State Park.

National Weather Service meteorologist Antoinette Serrato reported wind gusts of 25-35 mph that were expected to subside around 8 p.m. The fire spread rapidly near Nine Mile Road, prompting residents to wet down their homes and property. Local officials continued to update evacuation boundaries as the blaze advanced toward residential areas.

Mayor Lisa Brown scheduled a call with Governor Bob Ferguson to discuss response efforts. The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and fire behavior.