Washington Governor Declares Emergency as Wildfires Threaten Spokane

Statewide Emergency Declared

Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington has declared a state of emergency due to rapidly spreading wildfires across the state. The fires are affecting various regions, with the most severe threat in Spokane. Evacuation orders and hazardous air conditions are in effect as authorities launch a large-scale emergency response.

Old Trails Fire Escalates

The Old Trails Fire has emerged as the most significant threat near Spokane. According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the fire ignited northwest of Spokane on Saturday morning. Extreme heat, strong winds, and dry conditions have caused rapid expansion of the fire. By Saturday evening, authorities reported that it had grown to approximately 4 square miles, endangering around 4,000 buildings and prompting over 200 evacuations in northwest Spokane and surrounding areas.

The Department of Natural Resources stated that as of Saturday evening, firefighters had zero containment. Wind-driven flames have crossed the Spokane River, moving toward residential areas.

Evacuations and Emergency Response

The DNR has issued multiple evacuation orders, including Level 3 “Leave Now!” warnings for neighborhoods northwest of Spokane and the vicinity of Airway Heights. These orders are due to life-threatening conditions caused by the advancing fire. Thousands of residents have been instructed to evacuate as the fire nears homes and crucial infrastructure.

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown reported that evacuation orders include facilities like water reclamation centers, a waste-to-energy plant, and the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. Governor Ferguson’s emergency declaration enables the mobilization of additional resources, coordination of statewide wildfire operations, rapid emergency assistance, and the possible deployment of the National Guard. A statewide burn ban is in effect through September 30.

“Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state,” Ferguson stated during the emergency announcement. He will visit the area to meet with responders and monitor the situation.

Air Quality Concerns

Even residents outside evacuation zones are facing risks from smoke. The National Weather Service, in collaboration with other environmental agencies, issued an Air Quality Alert for areas including Spokane, Airway Heights, Cheney, and several others. Smoke from fires in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia could elevate PM2.5 pollution to unsafe levels through the weekend, particularly in regions downwind of the wildfires.

The alert predicts potential PM2.5 concentrations reaching unhealthy levels due to shifting winds. Residents are encouraged to minimize outdoor activities and improve indoor air quality when possible.

Statewide Wildfire Situation

Spokane’s fire crisis is part of a wider emergency throughout Washington. Over 250,000 acres are burning statewide, with the most extensive being the Kaiser Canyon Fire at approximately 134,000 acres in northeastern Washington.

Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove indicated that about 450,000 acres have been affected so far this fire season, labeling the situation as unprecedented. “This is not normal. Fires are raging throughout Washington,” Upthegrove noted.

Current and Future Actions

Roughly 4,000 firefighters, along with National Guard personnel and crews from neighboring states, are battling the fires. Emergency managers urge residents to stay updated with official evacuation maps and alerts due to the rapidly changing conditions. Authorities stress the importance of remaining vigilant as fires, adverse weather, and degrading air quality persist in eastern Washington.