Spokane Wildfires Force Evacuations and Destroy Hundreds of Buildings
Firefighters in Spokane, Washington, are working to contain three wildfires that have displaced approximately 67,000 residents and destroyed around 850 buildings since they began last weekend (Source: OPB, Aug. 6, 2026). Cooler weather has helped establish containment lines, but rising temperatures and lower humidity are expected to increase fire risks later this week. One of the fires, the Old Trails Fire, was deliberately set, leading to the arrest of a suspect charged with arson. The other two fires, Autumn Lane and Fairview, are under investigation but are not believed to be intentional. Evacuation orders remain in place, affecting homes, businesses, and facilities like the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, which relocated patients and staff. Damage assessments are ongoing, and no fatalities have been reported.