Weekend fires burn 16 square miles near Spokane; 67,000 evacuated

Key facts

Area burned: About 16 square miles
People evacuated: Estimated 67,000
Structures damaged or destroyed: Around 700, including hundreds of homes
People initially unaccounted for: 14, all later located
Disaster declaration: Granted by Federal Emergency Management Agency

Background

Spokane County, in eastern Washington state, has experienced destructive wildfires before. Three years ago, two fires burned at the same time, one near Medical Lake to the west of Spokane and one near Chattaroy to the northeast. In both cases, several hundred houses burned.

Residents in the middle of the city have not previously felt they had to deal with such fires, according to Doug Nadvornick, news director at Spokane Public Radio. He recalled a similar event 20 to 25 years ago, known locally as Firestorm, which burned homes in a housing development southeast of town and resulted in several deaths.

Nadvornick also compared the sight of the smoke plume to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which he witnessed as a huge dark plume of ash while traveling near Sprague, Washington.

Current situation

Weekend fires swept through Spokane County, burning about 16 square miles. An estimated 67,000 people were evacuated, and around 700 structures, including hundreds of homes, were damaged or destroyed.

As of the latest update, no people remain unaccounted for. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said nearly 300 people called 911 on Saturday to report someone they could not reach. Fourteen people were initially unaccounted for, but the sheriff's office said they have now been able to contact all 14.

Evacuation levels have been lowered in some areas closest to Spokane from level three, meaning 'go now,' to level two, meaning 'be aware of your surroundings.' The first of the three fires, the Old Trails Fire, has seen reduced evacuation levels. A second fire, northwest of the first, has grown and been blown east, with its farthest evacuation boundaries touching U.S. Highway 395.

Key figures from the Spokane fires
Metric	Value
Area burned (square miles)	16
People evacuated	67,000
Structures damaged or destroyed	700
People initially unaccounted for	14

Figures as reported by Spokane Public Radio and officials.

Impacts

Residents who lost homes are expressing shock and uncertainty. Nadvornick described the looks of bewilderment on people's faces, with questions like 'What am I going to do now?' and 'Where am I going to live?' Some evacuees are returning to their neighborhoods, but many may not be able to return.

The disaster has disrupted daily life for thousands. People are worried about being out of their homes for six months and how it will affect their jobs. The community has been raising money for those affected, though Nadvornick noted it will not be nearly enough.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has been discussing a disaster declaration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that declaration was granted this morning. The mechanism for how aid will flow to the state and county is still being determined.

Future outlook

Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.

The immediate focus is on stopping the forward progression of the second fire, which is threatening to cross U.S. Highway 395. If the fire goes past that highway, it could create additional issues, but for now, officials are working to contain it.

Given the change in climate and the dryness of summers, Nadvornick said he expects Spokane will experience similar fires again. However, the long-term recovery will depend on how quickly federal and state aid reaches affected residents and how the community sustains its support.

If the weather remains favorable and containment efforts succeed, evacuation levels may continue to be lowered. If the fire crosses Highway 395, further evacuations and property losses could occur. The full extent of the damage and the timeline for rebuilding remain unclear.

Source: kuow.org

AMRIT EXPLAINER