The Old Trails Fire crossed the Spokane River and reached residential areas while officials worked to determine the extent of the destruction.
SPOKANE, Wash. — Homes and other structures burned as a fast-moving wildfire swept into Spokane neighborhoods, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate while strong winds carried flames across roads, open land and the Spokane River.
The Old Trails Fire began around noon Saturday in brush and grass on the western side of the city. It quickly moved north and east toward populated areas, sending residents onto crowded evacuation routes as flames became visible from nearby highways. Fire officials confirmed that structures had been lost, but they had not released a reliable count of destroyed homes by Sunday morning.
The lack of a complete damage assessment left displaced residents uncertain about what remained in neighborhoods they had been ordered to leave. Firefighters were still confronting active flames, shifting winds and dense smoke, limiting the ability of inspection teams to safely enter some burned areas. Officials said the first reports from the fire zone showed serious property damage, but warned that any early totals could change.
The fire had burned roughly 3,000 acres by Saturday evening and was threatening about 4,000 structures, according to state officials. The blaze had no reported containment during the evening response. Flames crossed the Spokane River and advanced toward residential sections of northwest Spokane, where Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders directed people to leave immediately.
Video and photographs from the area showed fire burning close to houses and community facilities as thick smoke covered parts of the city. The Dwight Merkel Sports Complex was evacuated after flames reached the property, interrupting an annual volleyball event. Sporting activities at the complex were suspended as the fire continued moving through the area.
The fire’s rapid approach gave some residents little time to gather belongings before leaving. Cars filled roads leading away from threatened neighborhoods while emergency crews tried to keep evacuation routes open. Authorities asked people who were not evacuating to avoid driving because changing winds could sharply reduce visibility and additional traffic could interfere with firefighters.
The emergency spread beyond private homes. The Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center was evacuated, with patients needing continued treatment transferred to local hospitals. More than two dozen other patients were moved to shelters under the supervision of VA employees. The medical campus remained closed as fire conditions continued to change.
Other community organizations also moved people and animals away from danger. Gonzaga University opened dormitory rooms for displaced employees, while the Spokane Humane Society evacuated the animals in its care. Emergency shelters were opened for residents who could not immediately return home or stay with relatives and friends.
Power shutoffs added to the disruption. Avista implemented public safety shutoffs in areas exposed to extreme fire danger, and state emergency officials reported widespread outages across the region. Such shutoffs are intended to reduce the risk that electrical equipment could ignite additional fires while winds are strong and vegetation is dry.
The National Weather Service issued a rare “particularly dangerous situation” red flag warning for eastern Washington because of strong winds, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation. Those conditions can push flames rapidly through grass and brush, carry embers ahead of a fire and expose homes beyond the main fire line.
Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and imposed a burn ban through Sept. 30 as multiple large fires burned across Washington. The Washington National Guard was mobilized to support evacuations, traffic control and firefighting operations. Crews from across the region and more than a dozen states were also assisting Washington firefighters.
No fire-related deaths or injuries had been confirmed in the initial official reports. The cause of the Old Trails Fire remained under investigation. Officials said a full count of burned homes and other structures would not be available until conditions allowed damage teams to safely inspect affected neighborhoods.
Author note: Last updated August 2, 2026.