The Spokane metropolitan area is deep into recovery mode following a catastrophic stretch of wildfire activity in late July and early August that left an indelible mark on eastern Washington. Three fires — the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane — tore through Spokane County neighborhoods, collectively burning nearly 10,000 acres and destroying or damaging more than 900 structures, according to incident reports and insurance industry estimates.
Old Trails Fire: The Top Fire in Our Nation
The Old Trails Fire emerged as the deadliest and most destructive of the trio. Driven by extreme winds, the fire crossed the Spokane River and entered the northern reaches of the city itself — triggering the evacuation of thousands of residents in what The Spokesman-Review described as an unprecedented urban interface event. At its peak, the blaze destroyed an estimated 640 structures. It has since been declared 100% contained.
The Fairview Fire, which ignited near North Fairview Road and East Piper Road in Spokane County, burned through brush and grass threatening homes, power lines, and timber in the Mead area. The Autumn Lane Fire, the smallest of the three, has also been fully contained.
Recovery Funding Begins to Flow
Washington state officials announced this week that the City of Spokane and surrounding communities are receiving significant state recovery dollars to address fire-related infrastructure damage. The funding is part of a broader state package addressing both flood and fire damage across multiple counties.
On the insurance front, the Claims Journal reports that insured loss estimates from the three Spokane-area fires have topped $600 million — a figure that is testing the capacity of Washington's insurance commissioner and the broader state property insurance market. Uninsured losses are expected to push total economic damage significantly higher.
Governor Emergency Declaration Remains in Effect
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency on August 1, 2026, and issued a statewide burn ban that remains in force as of this writing. The Washington Department of Natural Resources reports that drought conditions, record-breaking temperatures, and high winds created the perfect storm for the August fire outbreak.
Evacuees and Housing Crisis
Hundreds of families displaced by the fires remain without permanent housing. Local emergency management officials are coordinating with state and federal agencies to identify temporary and long-term housing solutions. Community organizations in Spokane County report continued high demand for food, clothing, and financial assistance at local relief centers.
What Is Still Burning in Washington
While the Spokane-area fires are contained, Washington still has 12 active large fires burning as of September 10. The Ptarmigan Fire has burned 25,166 acres and sits at 73% containment. The King Fire in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has grown to over 3,000 acres with no containment. The Goat Fire near Snoqualmie Pass remains active with closures in effect across trail corridors near Mount Rainier National Park and the Pacific Crest Trail.