Wildfire in Northwest Spokane Forces Evacuations and National Guard Activation
A fast-moving blaze fueled by strong winds and high temperatures burned nearly four square miles in northwest Spokane, prompting thousands to evacuate and the deployment of the Washington National Guard.
A wildfire ignited around noon on Saturday in the Old Trails area of northwest Spokane, Washington, quickly spreading north and east toward residential neighborhoods. Strong winds and high temperatures drove the fire across brush and grass, crossing the Spokane River and creating a visible plume of orange and red flames along the highway.
Washington State Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Courtney James said the fire had burned almost four square miles by evening and that the Washington National Guard had been activated to assist with response efforts. "We urge residents of Spokane to heed evacuation orders and to stay alert to changing conditions and evacuations as they are rapidly changing," James added.
Firefighters reported zero containment as winds persisted, and some structures were lost, though a precise count was not yet available, according to DNR spokesperson Jessica Watson. Power provider Avista implemented public safety shutoffs in the affected area due to elevated fire risk.
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on Saturday, citing unusually high temperatures, strong winds, and record wildfires statewide. The emergency order includes a statewide ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30, and the National Weather Service issued a red-flag alert for eastern Washington.