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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 2, 2026Miami-Dade

Wildfire Prompts Mass Evacuations in Spokane

A fast-moving wildfire in northwest Spokane has forced thousands of residents to evacuate as the blaze spreads across the Spokane River. Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency for Washington due to extreme weather conditions fueling multiple fires.

wildfireemergency managementevacuationpublic safetyweather
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Why It Matters

Residents in the affected Spokane area face immediate displacement and property risk, while the state of emergency declaration authorizes additional resources and emergency powers to manage the fire response.

Key Facts

  • The Old Trails Fire began around noon on Saturday in northwest Spokane.
  • The fire has burned approximately 10 square kilometers (almost 4 square miles) as of Saturday evening.
  • Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes.
  • Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency for Washington state.
  • Firefighters reported zero containment of the blaze as of Saturday evening.
  • Some structures have been destroyed, though an exact count is not yet available.
  • Avista has implemented public safety power shutoffs in the area.
  • The National Weather Service issued a 'particularly dangerous situation' red flag alert for eastern Washington.

Who's Mentioned

personJessica Watson“DNR spokesperson for the fire.”personBob Ferguson“Governor of Washington who declared a state of emergency.”personCourtney James“Spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.”organizationAvista“Power company implementing public safety shutoffs.”organizationNational Weather Service“Issued a red flag alert for eastern Washington.”locationSpokane“Location of the wildfire and evacuations.”