Old Trails Wildfire Ravages Northwest Spokane, Hundreds of Structures Lost
The Old Trails wildfire in northwest Spokane destroyed about 640 structures and burned roughly 7,800 acres, prompting a state of emergency and mass evacuations.
A fast-moving wildfire that ignited near Airway Heights on Saturday spread eastward into northwest Spokane, scorching an estimated 7,800 acres and destroying roughly 640 structures, including homes within city limits. The blaze, dubbed the Old Trails fire, jumped the Spokane River, burned through Riverside State Park and entered residential neighborhoods such as Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said the city is still assessing the potential for loss of life. > "The city is still assessing the potential for lives to be lost," Brown told reporters at a Sunday news conference.
Fire officials reported that the fire’s intensity has moderated, allowing crews to halt its advance into additional neighborhoods. > "The Old Trails fire has moderated significantly," said Tom Engberg, public information officer for California Incident Management Team 7.
No confirmed fatalities have been reported, though officials indicated that the situation remains hazardous and that additional homes could be lost. Spokane County Fire District 3 chief Cody Rohrbach noted that radio traffic suggests further casualties may be possible.
The incident prompted a state of emergency declaration by Mayor Brown, activation of the Washington National Guard by Governor Bob Ferguson, and the establishment of an overnight shelter at the Spokane Convention Center for more than 400 displaced families. Residents in Level 3 evacuation zones have been urged to remain sheltered, and police increased patrols to deter looting.
The Old Trails fire is part of a larger complex that includes the 914-acre Fairview fire near Mead and the 3,300-acre Autumn Lane fire near Suncrest. Hundreds of firefighters, including about 120 personnel from California Interagency Management Team 7, are working the lines around the clock.
Incident Commander Tom Clemo described the blaze as potentially the largest and most destructive wildfire in Washington state history. > "Probably the largest, most destructive fire in Washington’s history occurred yesterday afternoon," Clemo said.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire while assessing the full extent of property damage and planning for ongoing evacuation and recovery efforts.