Wildfires devastate northwest Spokane, leaving hundreds of homes destroyed and thousands displaced

More than 900 homes have been destroyed and about 67,000 people forced to leave their residences as three wildfires continue to blaze across northwest Spokane. The Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires have razed entire neighborhoods, with the Old Trails fire crossing the Spokane River and leveling the Balboa area.

Firefighters from Washington, California, Utah and New Mexico are operating from a base camp set up at the Spokane fairgrounds, which also serves as the incident command center. "This is the worst natural disaster in the region's history," Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said at a press conference.

Firefighter Steve Moyer, who arrived from Moses Lake, described the scene as unprecedented, noting that entire cul-de-sacs have been reduced to ash. He added that his crew, along with teams from Santa Fe, New Mexico, are searching for remaining hot spots.

Residents remain under evacuation orders, but some have begun returning to retrieve personal belongings. Families are sifting through rubble to recover items such as jewelry, heirlooms and pets. "People are telling us, out of comfort, that it's just things," said Angela McKean, who described the emotional difficulty of losing her home.

Local volunteers have placed water bottles, food and animal supplies on street corners, and neighbors are offering temporary shelter and bathroom facilities to those displaced. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the Old Trails fire; Aaron F. Farinacci has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is cooperating with investigators.