Spokane Complex Fire: Over 900 Structures Destroyed in Washington’s Most Destructive Urban-Interface Blaze in Years

The Spokane Complex Fire — comprising the Old Trails Fire, Fairview Fire, and Autumn Lane Fire — has become one of the most destructive wildland-urban interface fire events in Washington state history. As of this weekend, the three interconnected blazes have destroyed or damaged more than 900 structures and burned over 10,000 acres across Spokane County, prompting evacuations of thousands of residents and drawing a massive emergency response.

How It Started

All three fires ignited on the afternoon of Saturday, August 1, 2026, amid an extreme fire weather event that gripped eastern Washington. The National Weather Service issued a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning — the highest fire weather alert available — covering parts of eastern Washington and Oregon, including the Spokane and Pendleton areas. Conditions were driven by persistent strong winds, very low relative humidity, and several weeks of drought.

Firefighters reported that the fires were crowning — burning in the tops of trees — shortly after ignition, making aerial and ground suppression extremely difficult. Fire behavior was described as extreme, with rapid spread driven by gusty winds pushing embers ahead of the main fire front.

Structural Damage and Evacuations

At its worst, the Spokane Complex threatened approximately 4,000 structures. By Tuesday, August 5, fire officials confirmed that at least 700 structures had been destroyed, with that number later surpassing 900 in updated damage assessments. Hundreds of residents were forced to flee, clogging roads around Spokane as flames raced toward neighborhoods.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson traveled to Spokane on August 2 to survey the damage and meet with emergency personnel. Speaking at a news conference the night before, Ferguson called it an “extremely difficult situation for Washingtonians,” noting the rapidly shifting and dangerous conditions. Washington National Guard Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh warned that “when the sun rises, we are going to be in shock to see the scenes that come out of there.”

State Emergency Declaration and Burn Ban

In response to the fires and severe drought conditions, Governor Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency and issued a burn ban through the end of September. The ban applies across the state but exempts liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, agricultural burning with proper permits, and campfires in contained structures at parks and campgrounds.

Arson Investigation

At least one of the Spokane-area fires is under investigation for possible arson. Authorities arrested a man on suspicion of arson in connection with one of the fires. The investigation remains ongoing and no charges had been formally filed as of press time.

Current Status and Recovery

As of September 5, containment operations are underway across the complex. Fire information is available at InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wanes-spokane-area-fires. Residents returning to fire-affected neighborhoods are urged to heed all safety guidance from local authorities, including risks from damaged structures, downed power lines, debris, and ongoing air quality impacts from smoldering areas.