Wildfire Near Spokane Forces Emergency Evacuations

On Saturday, a rapidly advancing wildfire, known as the Old Trails fire, approached Spokane, Washington, leading to emergency evacuations for thousands of residents. The state declared an emergency due to one of its worst fire seasons on record, exacerbated by a fourth consecutive year of drought.

Governor Bob Ferguson stated that record-setting drought and high winds have created dangerous conditions, prompting a ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through the end of September. By 8:20 PM, the fire had consumed over 3,500 acres.

The highest-level evacuation alert, “Go Now,” was issued for large areas of northern Spokane, affecting many residents within city limits. Major General Gent Welsh expressed concerns about the situation, stating that the community would be in shock as the fire progressed.

Emergency services set up a shelter at the Spokane Convention Centre, while the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Alert, indicating extreme weather risks across Eastern Washington. The Washington National Guard announced it was mobilizing units to assist with the emergency response.