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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 3, 2026Miami-Dade

Wildfires in Spokane, Washington, force 60,000 evacuations and destroy 600 structures

Wildfires in the Spokane area have forced the evacuation of 60,000 residents and destroyed at least 600 homes and businesses. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency as federal and local crews struggle to contain the blazes amid high winds and dry conditions.

wildfiresemergency managementpublic safetyevacuationsweatherinfrastructure
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Why It Matters

Residents in the Spokane area face ongoing displacement, power outages, and hazardous air quality, with emergency officials warning that weather conditions will remain challenging for the next several days.

Key Facts

  • 60,000 people have been evacuated in the Spokane area.
  • At least 600 structures, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed.
  • Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on Saturday.
  • Three specific fires are burning in the Spokane area: the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire, and the Meadowview Fire.
  • Approximately 10,000 people remained without power on Sunday, down from a peak of 30,000.
  • A shelter for evacuees has been established at the Spokane convention center, housing about 400 people as of Sunday.
  • No injuries or missing persons have been reported as of Sunday.
  • The fires have burned approximately 8.2 square miles in the Spokane area.
  • Wind gusts between 35 mph and 45 mph are complicating firefighting efforts.
  • Patients at the U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital in Spokane were among those evacuated.
  • A massive fire in central Utah has grown to 56 square miles, resulting in the death of over 100 cattle.
  • Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the southern portion of Fillmore, Utah.

Who's Mentioned

personChris Jordan“Spokane County Commissioner.”personMaria Cantwell“U.S. Senator who spoke at a news conference regarding the fire danger.”personBob Ferguson“Governor of Washington who declared a state of emergency.”personHeather Rosenstrater“President and CEO of Avista Corp.”personBenjamin Cossel“Public information officer for the federal response team.”organizationAvista Corp.“Electric and natural gas utility provider for the area.”organizationNational Weather Service“Agency issuing red flag fire warnings.”locationSpokane“City in Washington state affected by wildfires.”