Thousands of Spokane County residents were forced to flee their homes as the Spokane Complex Fire swept through suburban and rural neighborhoods over Labor Day weekend, threatening an estimated 4,000 structures and leaving evacuation routes gridlocked for hours as residents raced ahead of the flames.

Evacuation Orders Issued Across Multiple Zones

Spokane County Emergency Management issued sweeping evacuation orders covering multiple zones around the advancing fire perimeters of the Old Trails Fire, Fairview Fire, and Autumn Lane Fire. At the height of the fire's activity, some residents reported waiting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours on evacuation routes as the fires crept closer to homes.

Videos shared on social media showed dramatic scenes of orange skies, burning homes, and long lines of vehicles — prompting Governor Bob Ferguson to publicly warn residents not to delay evacuation when orders are issued. "When you get the order, go immediately," Ferguson said Saturday evening. "Do not wait."

Shelter and Support Resources

Emergency shelters were activated at multiple locations in Spokane and surrounding communities for displaced residents and their pets and livestock. The American Red Cross of Eastern Washington activated disaster response teams, and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services deployed emergency assistance workers to support evacuees with immediate needs.

  • Check SpokaneCounty.org for current shelter locations and hours
  • Small animal support: Spokane Humane Society and Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service
  • Large animal and livestock: Spokane County Fair & Expo Center
  • Emergency alerts: Sign up via Spokane County Emergency Management's CodeRED system

600+ Structures Damaged or Destroyed

As of the latest damage assessment from Washington State DNR and Spokane County, at least 600 structures have been damaged or destroyed. Fire investigators and loss inspectors were still working to complete damage surveys as crews gained access to areas that had been under active fire. Final damage numbers are expected to rise as assessments continue in the coming days.

Residents whose properties were impacted should document damage with photographs as soon as it is safe to do so, and contact their insurance carrier promptly. State and federal disaster assistance programs may also be activated depending on the final scope of damage.

What Evacuees Need to Know

Washington state officials and Spokane County emergency managers urge residents who evacuated to avoid returning until law enforcement and fire officials have formally cleared areas for re-entry. Returning prematurely can interfere with active firefighting operations and put residents at risk from hazardous air quality, downed power lines, unstable structures, and hidden hot spots.

  • Do not re-enter evacuation zones until officials issue a formal all-clear
  • Register with emergency management so officials know you are safe: RedCross.org/safe-and-well
  • Document all property damage with photos and video before cleanup for insurance purposes
  • Check air quality at AirNow.gov before returning to smoke-affected areas
  • Be alert for hazards: check for gas leaks, damaged electrical systems, and structural instability before entering damaged structures

Governor Ferguson's statewide burn ban remains in effect through the end of September. Violations may result in fines and criminal charges under Washington's emergency declaration provisions.