A left tributary of the Columbia River spanning Idaho and Washington
Fire officials report multiple wildfires across the Western U.S. have intensified, with the Old Trails Fire in Washington near Spokane expanding rapidly and prompting evacuations, while Oregon faces closures and near-term risk as crews contend with hot, dry, windy conditions.
Wildfires near Spokane have expanded to more than 8.2 square miles as weather worsens, prompting evacuations, emergency declarations, and power shutoffs. Officials warn winds could intensify, complicating containment efforts and threatening more structures.
A Spokane County man has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson related to the Old Trails Fire, the largest of several wildfires in the Spokane area that have destroyed hundreds of buildings and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Authorities say the blaze began Saturday, with investigations tracing it to a suspect seen near the site. Firefighters are contending with hot, dry conditions as containment progresses.