Nearly three months after three fast-moving wildfires burned into Spokane, Washington, in the United States, the region's focus has shifted to recovery. The Spokane area fires, the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires, erupted on August 1 under the first-ever "particularly dangerous situation" Red Flag Warning for Central and Eastern Washington. Together they burned about 10,363 acres.
How the fires unfolded
The Old Trails Fire started around noon on August 1 near Airway Heights, west of the city. The Autumn Lane Fire burned northwest of Spokane and into Stevens County, and the Fairview Fire burned in the city's northeast. About 65,000 people were evacuated, including patients at Spokane's VA hospital, and about 400 people sheltered at the Spokane Convention Center. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on August 1, and a suspect was arrested and charged with first-degree arson on August 3 in connection with the Old Trails Fire. All three fires were 100% contained by August 19.
The losses
According to an August 7 incident report, the fires destroyed about 846 structures, up from early counts of about 600, and losses are estimated at more than $1 billion. No deaths were reported.
Who is helping
The American Red Cross supported evacuees, Direct Relief provided medical aid for people forced from their homes, World Central Kitchen launched a relief response, and The Salvation Army also responded. You can find more groups in our list of disaster relief organizations.
To support families rebuilding after the fires, visit the Spokane area fires disaster page and donate to the organizations responding.
