Mass Evacuations Across the PNW: Tens of Thousands Displaced by Active Fires

Wildfire evacuations across the Pacific Northwest have reached a scale not seen in years. More than 65,000 people have been forced from their homes across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho — and the numbers continue to fluctuate as fire behavior shifts and incident managers adjust evacuation zone boundaries daily.

Washington: Spokane County Crisis

The most concentrated displacement has occurred in Spokane County, where three simultaneous wildfires — the Autumn Lane, Old Trails, and Fairview fires — forced an estimated 67,000 residents from their homes at the peak of the emergency. The city of Spokane itself saw evacuations in multiple neighborhoods, and a veterans' hospital was evacuated as fires approached from multiple directions.

As of August 8, containment on the three fires ranges from 23% to 37%. Some evacuation levels have been downgraded as fire lines have held, but thousands of residents are still displaced or operating under evacuation warnings. Residents are urged to check the Spokane County Emergency Management website for current zone status before attempting to return home.

Washington: Okanogan and Chelan Counties

Fires in north-central Washington — including the Ptarmigan Fire in Okanogan County (17,278 acres, 0% containment) and the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County — have also prompted evacuations across rural communities. These fires grew following a lightning storm that rolled through western Washington, igniting multiple blazes in the Cascade Range.

Ptarmigan Fire (Okanogan County): 17,278 acres, 0% contained — closure issued by Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Little Giant Fire (Chelan County): Active, minimal containment — closures on Wenatchee River and Entiat Ranger Districts
Sinlahekin Fire: 26% contained

Oregon: Hood River and Wasco Counties

The Grasshopper Fire east of Mount Hood has placed Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations across portions of Hood River and Wasco counties. Mt. Hood Meadows resort was evacuated, and eastern Clackamas County residents are on preparation (Level 1) orders. Jefferson County also saw fast-moving vegetation fire activity earlier in the week that prompted local evacuations.

Idaho: Washington County

The Tartar Fire near Weiser, Idaho has Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders in effect west of Highway 95 from Midvale Hill southward. Washington County residents in the affected zones should not return home until orders are officially lifted by county emergency management.

How to Stay Informed