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NewsWPLG Local 10August 3, 2026Miami-Dade

Spokane-area wildfires destroy 700 buildings and force 67,000 residents to evacuate

Wildfires in eastern Washington have destroyed at least 700 buildings and triggered evacuation orders for approximately 67,000 people. The state's congressional delegation has requested an expedited emergency declaration from the President as firefighting crews work to contain the uncontained blazes.

wildfiresemergency managementevacuationsdisaster reliefpublic safety
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Why It Matters

Residents face the immediate loss of homes and property, while thousands remain displaced under mandatory evacuation orders with no current timeline for return.

Key Facts

  • Approximately 700 buildings have been destroyed in the Spokane area.
  • 67,000 people are currently under evacuation orders.
  • The fires have burned approximately 12.5 square miles in the Spokane area.
  • Washington state has seen 390 square miles burned in total due to severe drought and low snowpack.
  • 14 people remain on the list of missing persons, down from an initial 300 reports.
  • A shelter for 400 people has been established at the Spokane convention center.
  • Spokane Public Schools opened a free emergency drop-in camp for children.
  • County court trials have been postponed until Aug. 10.
  • Fires in Idaho and Oregon have burned over 530 square miles, threatening 600 homes.
  • A fire in central Utah has grown to 109 square miles, killing over 100 cattle and forcing jail evacuations.

Who's Mentioned

personDaniel Sim“Resident whose home was destroyed”personCourtney James“Washington State Department of Natural Resources spokesperson”personKaren Faggioli“Resident whose home was destroyed”organizationSpokane County Sheriff’s Office“Managing missing persons reports and public safety”organizationWashington State Department of Natural Resources“Managing fire containment efforts”personAngela Deatherage“Resident whose home was destroyed”personMiriam Sim“Resident whose home was destroyed”personWayde Deatherage“Resident whose home was destroyed”personMark Gregory“Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson”personDonald Trump“President of the United States requested to issue emergency declaration”