SPOKANE, WASHINGTON / RankWire.AI / – Three fast-moving wildfires near Spokane have destroyed at least 700 structures and forced about 67,000 people to evacuate. The Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires have burned more than 8,000 acres since Saturday. Officials reported no deaths or major injuries through Monday night. More than 1,000 firefighters worked across Spokane County to slow the flames, defend neighborhoods and protect key public facilities.
Strong winds pushed the eastern Washington fires through dry grass, timber and residential areas north of Spokane. The Old Trails Fire crossed the Spokane River and entered northwest neighborhoods only hours after it began. Flames damaged homes, businesses, vehicles, power equipment and other property across several communities. Infrared surveys identified possible damage to hundreds of additional buildings, though assessment teams had not confirmed those losses.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire. Investigators tied the arrest only to that fire, which began near Old Trails Road and Euclid Avenue. The allegation remains subject to court proceedings and does not establish guilt. Authorities continued separate investigations into the causes of the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.
Thousands leave threatened Spokane communities
Emergency officials ordered evacuations across broad sections of northern and northwestern Spokane and nearby parts of the county. Staff moved patients from the Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center as the fire threat expanded. Spokane opened its convention center to shelter displaced residents and their pets. Local organizations also provided food, water, emergency child care and other support for families leaving affected neighborhoods.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and activated National Guard assistance as fires spread across eastern Washington. The declaration helped state and local agencies coordinate crews, equipment and emergency services. Authorities maintained a statewide burn ban during severe heat and dry conditions. Washington also sought federal assistance while firefighting teams handled multiple large incidents across the region.
Firefighters defend roads, utilities and homes
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources joined local and federal crews assigned to the Spokane Complex. Aircraft dropped fire retardant while ground teams built control lines with engines, hand tools and heavy equipment. Firefighters also protected roads, transmission systems, hospitals and water facilities near the fire zones. Managers reported no containment on the three main fires Monday, while closures remained in place at Riverside and Mount Spokane state parks.
The fires damaged electrical systems and cut power to thousands of customers during the first days of the emergency. Utility teams restored service where fire conditions allowed safe access. Officials told residents to follow evacuation alerts, avoid closed roads and keep drones away from firefighting aircraft. Damage assessment teams continued checking burned neighborhoods and confirming property losses before releasing a more detailed count.