A fast-moving wildfire driven by high winds jumped the Spokane River Saturday afternoon, burning into city neighborhoods on the bluffs and forcing widespread evacuations across Spokane, according to local officials. The Old Trails fire grew to 2,500 acres by 4:30 p.m., fueled by wind gusts reaching 35 to 45 mph, while a second blaze known as the Fairview fire burned 700 acres in the Peone Prairie area.
Evacuations and Utility Outages Span Spokane
Level 3 go-now evacuation orders were issued just before 3:30 p.m. within city limits, affecting thousands of residents before expanding to cover all areas north of Francis Avenue and west of Division Street, according to emergency management. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels called in all deputies to assist with door-to-door evacuations, while Spokane Transit Authority buses aided residents fleeing the danger zones, as stated by Spokane City Councilwoman Kitty Klitzke. Meanwhile, Avista Utilities reported more than 40,000 customers without power in the Spokane area due to both fire damage and preemptive shutoffs, according to utility spokesman David Vowels.
The Red Cross established an emergency evacuation center at the student athletic center at Spokane Falls Community College, located at 3410 W. Whistalks Way. Volunteer Rebecca Griffin noted that while the facility lost power by 5 p.m., it remained stocked with supplies, cots, and resources to shelter evacuees and household pets, while larger animals were directed to the Spokane County Fairgrounds.
Did You Know?
The National Weather Service issued a historic first warning for Eastern Washington on Friday for “particularly dangerous” weather—a step up from standard red flag warnings—signaling that new fires would grow rapidly and out of control.
State and Local Officials Respond to Historic Fire Conditions
Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove stated at a joint news conference that the region is experiencing an extraordinary and unusual fire season, promising that all necessary state resources will be deployed to protect life and property. Major Gen. Gent Welsh, Washington’s adjutant general, added that current conditions are the worst he has witnessed in his 38-year career. Governor Bob Ferguson activated the National Guard to assist response efforts, while Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown urged residents to stay off north Spokane roads unless actively evacuating, noting that traffic congestion was complicating emergency operations.
Expert Insight
Emergency response operations in rapidly moving urban-wildland interface fires frequently face severe bottlenecks when evacuation routes overlap with traffic congestion. Coordination between municipal leaders, county emergency management, and state guard units remains critical to maintaining clear corridors for incoming fire crews and fleeing residents alike.
Potential Next Steps and Emergency Measures
The Spokane County Commission scheduled an emergency meeting for 8 p.m. to declare a county-wide state of emergency. This declaration could grant local officials the authority to bypass standard procurement protocols for equipment and supplies while initiating formal processes for state and potential federal support, according to county spokeswoman Martha Lou Wheatley Billeter. Utility repair crews are likely to begin infrastructure damage assessments once fire conditions subside and safety permits, according to Avista Utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Red Cross set up an emergency evacuation center at the student athletic center at Spokane Falls Community College, located at 3410 W.
Avista Utilities reported more than 40,000 customers without power due to a combination of fire damage to utility infrastructure and preemptive public safety power shutoffs implemented across the city.
Governor Bob Ferguson activated the National Guard, and Spokane County commissioners planned an emergency meeting to declare a state of emergency to streamline resource acquisition.
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