Particle.news

Wind-Driven Upriver Fire Forces Nearly 12,000 Evacuations Around Spokane

High winds and dry fuel have made firefighting difficult and prompted a state request for federal fire-management aid.

Overview

  • The blaze began near Beacon Hill around midday Tuesday and grew rapidly to roughly 200–300 acres within hours as strong gusts pushed flames across brush and into neighborhoods.
  • Authorities issued mandatory Level 3 evacuation orders affecting about 11,750–12,000 people and placed roughly 2,300 primary and secondary structures inside the evacuation zone.
  • Fire chiefs said some structures have been lost but no injuries have been reported, and hundreds of homes remain threatened as crews work to secure lines.
  • Local and state fire crews, aircraft, hand crews and heavy equipment have been deployed, Avista de-energized power lines for safety, and the governor requested federal assistance with Fire Management Assistance funds authorized for the incident.
  • Containment improved to about 10% after overnight efforts, but the fire remains active, roads and power may stay closed for days, evacuees are sheltered by the Red Cross, and investigators are working to determine the cause.