Public lands steward for Washington, managing forests, aquatic lands, and public resources
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.
The Spokane Complex Fires are burning near Spokane, Washington, with multiple blazes uncontained. Evacuations have intensified to tens of thousands, and authorities warn that hotter, drier conditions could worsen the situation. Firefighters are contending with wildland-urban interface terrain, extreme weather, and ongoing investigations into ignition sources. The outlook remains challenging as temperatures rise later in the week.
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.
Wildfires around Spokane have displaced tens of thousands and destroyed hundreds of buildings. Investigators say arson is suspected in the Old Trails Fire, while cooler weather offers firefighters a moment to intensify containment efforts. Officials warn hot, dry conditions could return.
Firefighters have established containment lines around Spokane-area blazes, with cooler weather offering limited relief. Thousands remain evacuated as investigations probe arson and natural causes amid a record-breaking Northwest fire season.