Wildfires in Spokane, Washington, have destroyed over 600 homes and businesses, forcing about 60,000 people to leave their homes. The fires started on the first weekend of August 2026, spreading quickly through neighborhoods due to strong winds. The National Weather Service had issued a warning about dangerous fire conditions. Three main fires, known as the Spokane Complex Fire, burned through about 8,000 acres. Many areas, like Indian Trail, were completely destroyed, with only foundations left.
Thousands of people evacuated, and the Spokane Convention Center became an emergency shelter. Many residents lost electricity, and smoke caused severe air quality problems. Mayor Lisa Brown called it the worst natural disaster in the region's history. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state emergency and asked for federal help from President Donald Trump. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provided funds, and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell said the Spokane fires were the country's top priority.
Over 900 firefighters, including teams from Australia and California, worked to control the blazes. The fires were part of a larger emergency across Washington, with many other wildfires burning. While some fires began to slow down, others continued to be a threat. Firefighters hoped for better conditions with cooler weather, but hot temperatures were expected to return. The cause of the fires is still being investigated, and many people face an uncertain future as they try to recover.