The Old Trails wildfire in northwest Spokane destroyed 640 structures between Saturday and Sunday, leaving officials still assessing the potential for lives to be lost. Many of the destroyed homes were located within Spokane city limits, according to Spokane County Fire District 3 fire chief Cody Rohrbach.
While the fire has moderated significantly, allowing firefighters to stop it from advancing into more neighborhoods, officials warned that more homes could still be lost as the fire remains active.
The wildfire, which began near Airway Heights on the West Plains, spread northeast into Riverside State Park and jumped the Spokane River. The blaze moved through neighborhoods including Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie. Some residents reported finding their homes leveled to foundations, leaving only charred debris and brick behind.
Governor Bob Ferguson has activated the National Guard and stated that the state has requested short-term emergency aid from FEMA. Ferguson also reported speaking with President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin regarding the severity of the situation.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown declared a state of emergency as winds gusted between 35 and 45 mph. The Spokane Convention Center is currently serving as the main overnight shelter for 409 families displaced by the fire.
The Old Trails fire is part of the larger Spokane Complex wildfire, which includes the 914-acre Fairview fire near Mead and the 3,300-acre Autumn Lane fire near Suncrest. Together, these fires totaled approximately 7,780 acres as of Sunday morning.
Incident Commander Tom Clemo suggested the fire could be one of the most destructive in Washington's history. While there have been no confirmed reports of deaths, Rohrbach noted that based on radio traffic, deaths may be anticipated.
Spokane Police Department implemented extra patrols to prevent looting in the affected areas. Schools within the Spokane, Mead, and Great Northern School Districts were reported to have not burned despite being in the path of the fires.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Hundreds of firefighters, including personnel from the California Interagency Management Team 7, continue to work the fire lines. Officials urge residents to stay away from burned areas and remain in evacuation zones until authorities lower the alerts.
