A fast-moving wildfire has destroyed homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate parts of Spokane, Washington, as authorities warned of one of the state’s most dangerous fire emergencies in recent years.
Video from North Indian Trail Road on Saturday showed thick black smoke rising over residential neighbourhoods as the Old Trails Fire spread rapidly through northwest Spokane. The footage also showed emergency vehicles heading towards the blaze as residents evacuated the area.
The fire broke out near Old Trails Road and Euclid Avenue around midday before crossing the Spokane River and advancing into neighbourhoods including Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie, where Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders were issued.
By Saturday evening, the fire had grown to 3,509 acres (1,420 hectares) and remained 0% contained, with wind gusts of 35 to 45mph driving flames through Riverside State Park and into residential areas.
BREAKING: At least 640 structures destroyed as Old Trails Fire moves through Spokane, Washington, fire chief tells daily newspaper. pic.twitter.com/soRpsRE9Sq
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) August 2, 2026
Authorities confirmed that homes had been destroyed, although they had not released an estimate of the damage.
The wildfire is one of several burning across the Spokane region, alongside the Fairview Fire near Mead and the Autumn Lane Fire near Nine Mile Falls, both of which also prompted evacuation orders.
The fires come as Washington faces an unprecedented wildfire emergency.
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency and activated the Washington National Guard as extreme heat, drought and strong winds created conditions for rapidly spreading fires.
Scenes from Spokane, Washington as massive wildfire moves through the area, burning many homes. pic.twitter.com/6foAjEiSLb
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) August 2, 2026
The National Weather Service also issued Washington’s first-ever “Particularly Dangerous Situation” Red Flag Warning for eastern parts of the state, reserved for the most severe fire weather conditions.
“When the sun sets and the sun rises, we are going to be in shock,” Washington Adjutant General Maj Gen Gent Welsh said during a Saturday evening news conference. “This is an extraordinary fire season. This is not normal; this is unusual,” Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove said.
The Old Trails Fire also prompted the evacuation of the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center and other care facilities, while the American Red Cross opened emergency shelters for displaced residents.
Emergency officials urged people to avoid affected neighbourhoods unless they were evacuating, warning that traffic congestion was slowing firefighting operations.
The cause of the Old Trails Fire remains under investigation.