Washington deploys National Guard as wildfires force mass evacuations in Spokane
Three fast-moving fires near Spokane have prompted Level 3 evacuation orders for thousands of residents, while the governor declared a statewide emergency and the National Guard was mobilized to assist responders.
Rapidly spreading wildfires in eastern Washington have forced large parts of Spokane to issue Level 3 evacuation orders, directing residents to leave their homes immediately. The Old Trails Fire, which ignited Saturday afternoon, had burned more than 3,500 acres by early Sunday, according to the Watch Duty app. The blaze, along with the Fairview and Autumn Lane fires, has been driven by strong winds and low humidity.
The Washington National Guard announced that 30 members were being made available to Spokane authorities for emerging needs. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency on Saturday and said he would travel to Spokane on Sunday, urging people to stay vigilant and follow emergency personnel.
Jessica Walston, a spokesperson for the Washington Department of Natural Resources, told CNN that the Old Trails Fire was threatening up to 5,000 structures. The city opened its convention center as an emergency shelter for displaced residents.
Statewide, dozens of fires are active. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said firefighters are battling ten large fires across Washington, a state currently experiencing a record-setting drought and a burn ban that restricts most outdoor fires. He warned that the dry conditions and high winds create dangerous fire-spread potential.
Power outages have affected nearly 11,000 customers, with over 8,000 in Spokane County, according to Avista Utilities. More than 1,000 fires have burned roughly 425,000 acres in Washington this year, the highest total since 2021.
"The Washington National Guard is making 30 members available tonight to Spokane authorities for any emerging needs," the Guard posted on Facebook.
"If you are in the area, please continue to be vigilant and follow directions of emergency personnel," Governor Ferguson said.
"Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state," Ferguson added.
"This year has already been one of our busiest wildfire years on record, and we just started August," Upthegrove said. "Our firefighters are already stretched thin across the state, and with more heat and wind expected this weekend and for the rest of the summer."
Local witnesses described the flames, with one reporter noting a wall of fire and thick black smoke near an elementary school.