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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 2, 2026Miami-Dade

Wildfires in Eastern Washington and Idaho: Current Status and Evacuations

Wildfires in eastern Washington have destroyed 600 structures and forced the evacuation of 5,000 homes, while separate large-scale fires continue to burn across Idaho and Oregon. Officials have declared a state of emergency as challenging terrain and high winds complicate firefighting efforts.

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Why It Matters

Residents in the affected regions face immediate displacement, property loss, and hazardous air quality, with state and federal agencies managing emergency response and evacuation protocols.

Key Facts

  • Approximately 5,000 homes have been evacuated in the Spokane area.
  • 600 homes, businesses, and buildings have been destroyed in eastern Washington.
  • Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on Saturday.
  • Three specific fires are active in the Spokane area: Old Trails, Fairview, and Meadowview.
  • The Big Grass Fire in Idaho and Oregon has burned nearly 525 square miles.
  • The Big Grass Fire threatens over 600 homes and 800 other structures.
  • A federal response team from California was deployed to Spokane on Saturday night.
  • Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are expected in the Spokane area.
  • A shelter has been established at the Spokane convention center.
  • Lightning is identified as the cause of the Big Grass Fire.
  • Air quality warnings are in effect for eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, western/central Idaho, and western Montana.
  • Red flag fire warnings are in effect for parts of Utah, Montana, and western Nebraska.

Who's Mentioned

personKeila Vizcarra“Spokesperson for the federal team handling the Big Grass Fire.”personBob Ferguson“Governor of Washington who declared a state of emergency.”personBenjamin Cossel“Public information officer for the federal response team.”organizationNational Weather Service“Agency issuing fire and air quality warnings.”locationSpokane“City in Washington impacted by fires.”