Efforts and Challenges in Combating the Spokane Complex Fire

In Spokane, Washington, hundreds of firefighters are working long hours to control the Spokane Complex Fire as hotter and drier conditions approach. Over 1,500 firefighters from across 24 states are battling the fire, which has damaged or destroyed nearly 850 structures since it started on Saturday.

Temperatures that have been in the 80s the last few days are expected to rise into the upper 90s later this week, with no rain forecasted. Despite this, significant progress has been made, says Tom Stokesberry, spokesman for the California Interagency Incident Management Team, which is coordinating the response. The fire has grown by merely 2 acres since Monday. Fire lines have been established for the three fires that constitute the Spokane Complex.

Approximately 67,000 people have been displaced, an official number that could increase. No fatalities have been reported. Stokesberry commented, “If our lines hold through the weekend, we’re going to be on the path to not having this fire move anymore. But it’s still going to be a long recovery phase.”

As of Wednesday, the Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires were 13% contained, and the Fairview Fire was 5% contained, according to fire officials. In total, the fires had scorched 10,546 acres by Wednesday evening. Firefighters are conducting what Stokesberry referred to as a “search and destroy” mission. Elite Hotshot crews are stationed within close proximity to address any emerging hot spots.

These crews endure challenging conditions, working 16 hours shifts and getting only 5 to 7 hours of sleep at night. Their deployments generally last two weeks before being relieved by fresh crews. Additional support is expected this weekend. Stokesberry noted, “It’s trying on them, but they’re here for the long haul.”

Michael Kelly, from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, stated that with over 800 structures lost, this could be one of the most destructive fires in state history. The Grey and Oregon Road fires outside Spokane in 2023 destroyed 350 structures, he added.

Wildfire smoke filled the area in Spokane on Saturday, affecting visibility and air quality.

This week, progress was hindered as 40 drones entered restricted airspace, forcing aerial crews to land until their flight paths were cleared, according to Stokesberry. He emphasized, “If you fly, we can’t. It puts crews at risk, life and property at risk, the infrastructure at risk. It puts everything at risk.”

Drones have disrupted firefighters before. In the previous year, a man was charged in Southern California with recklessly operating a drone that collided with a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft. He pleaded guilty, according to the U.S. Justice Department. As of now, whether any drone operators related to the recent incidents have been identified or questioned remains unclear. However, since Monday, skies have been free from uncrewed aircraft, allowing fire crews to attack both from the air and ground.

An arson suspect, Aaron Farinacci, 37, is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday. He is accused of starting the Old Trails Fire and charged with first-degree arson. An attorney for Farinacci has not responded to requests for comment after regular business hours on Wednesday.

Investigation continues into the two other fires, also believed to be human-caused, though not necessarily intentional. While no other arrests have been made, the investigations are ongoing.

Paul Child, a local resident, recounted witnessing a suspicious man on the day the fires started. Driving along railroad tracks in his rural neighborhood northwest of Spokane, he noted the individual behaving nervously near the trees. Upon returning home, his daughter informed him of the fire, prompting them to call 911 with the man’s description. A sheriff’s deputy located a man matching the description and detained him. This man, identified as Farinacci, was initially released but later arrested and charged following further investigation.