Firefighters battling three blazes in the Spokane, Washington, area that have destroyed homes and forced tens of thousands to flee say they have made some gains, but the wildfires are still at 0% containment as they enter their fifth day.
Some 65,000 people were ordered to evacuate. An estimated 600 to 1,100 structures have been damaged or destroyed. Over 10,500 acres have been burned. Fire officials said in their latest update that "steady progress" was being made as cooler temperatures and increased humidity made conditions more favorable for firefighting.
"It feels like a bad dream," Claire Shover, 27, told USA TODAY after learning her home burned down. "I think we’re still a bit numb right now."
Videos from the fire zone showed towering smoke
plumes rising above trees and neighborhoods as airplane tankers dropped fire retardant on the fast-moving flames. Footage also showed homes left in ruins amid burnt trees as the fires burned along wooded ridgelines near residential areas.
Authorities are promising that help is on the way following a federal emergency declaration.
"We're laser-focused on getting assistance to those Washingtonians who have lost so much," Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement announcing the coming aid.
At least one person has been arrested in connection with the blazes. Aaron F. Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident arrested on a single charge of first-degree arson, made an initial appearance in court on Tuesday. He is due back in court Thursday.
How many structures were touched by Spokane fires? Estimates are over 1K
07:06 AM ET, August 5 2026, Michael LoriaFire officials are working to identify exactly how many structures, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed.
But the early estimates are that between 600 and 1,100 buildings were damaged, said Tom Clemo, an incident commander with California Interagency Incident Management Team 7.
"In that gap, we need to refine and understand exactly how much was lost," Clemo said in an update shared Tuesday evening. He cautioned that the process will take time.
Clemo urged people who have been evacuated not to return until escorted by officials.
"I know it gets frustrating to be evacuated," he said. "But please understand this, significant hazards exist to your health by letting you back into your neighborhood too early."
Presidential emergency declaration approved for Washington
06:53 AM ET, August 5 2026A federal emergency declaration has been approved for Washington state, Federal Emergency Management Agency officials announced Tuesday evening.
"As the state continues to lead the response to wildfires, the emergency declaration enables FEMA to supplement state efforts to save lives and protect property and public health and safety," FEMA Region 10 officials said in a statement on their X account.
Gov. Ferguson thanked federal officials for "moving quickly" to approve the emergency declaration. The declaration provides for federal resources including emergency shelters, food and water, and search and rescue teams, the governor said. The declaration covers much of central and eastern Washington, including tribal areas.
"We're laser-focused on getting assistance to those Washingtonians who have lost so much," said Ferguson.
FEMA said the declaration was approved by President Trump. The White House declined to comment.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Recovery underway amid devastating Spokane wildfires: Live updates
