Written by Monday, 3rd, August 2026
SPOKANE, W.A. (AP) – Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to flee their homes as fast-moving wildfires continue to devastate eastern Washington, destroying hundreds of buildings, leaving thousands without electricity and prompting state officials to declare a statewide emergency.
Approximately 60,000 people have been ordered to evacuate portions of the Spokane area as three major wildfires continued burning Monday with no containment reported, according to local officials.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the crisis as “the worst natural disaster our region has faced,” saying emergency officials are still working to determine the full extent of the destruction.
“We’re still discussing the potential for lives to be lost,” Brown said, cautioning that damage assessments remain ongoing.
As of Monday, authorities had not confirmed any deaths or injuries.
The Spokane-area fires are among more than a dozen active wildfires burning across Washington state, including 10 classified as large wildfires, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
The National Weather Service warned over the weekend of “extremely critical” fire weather conditions as powerful winds, low humidity and unusually dry vegetation fueled rapid fire growth across the region.
Videos from Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, showed towering columns of smoke rising above neighborhoods while intense flames threatened homes and businesses. Helicopters and firefighting aircraft continued making water drops as crews battled the rapidly spreading fires from both the air and the ground.
Officials estimate the fires have destroyed approximately 600 structures, including homes and commercial buildings. More than 10,000 customers remained without electricity Monday, according to Avista Utilities.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Sunday and announced he had requested federal assistance after speaking with President Donald Trump.
Mayor Brown urged residents to remain alert as conditions continue to evolve.
“The most important thing is that people need to remain vigilant and be patient and comply when we ask them to be ready to evacuate or when we say it’s time to evacuate,” Brown said.
She also emphasized the growing humanitarian needs created by the disaster.
“Although people are very generous and engaged and our first responders are working around the clock, we need help in order to really meet the magnitude of the displacement and the lack of housing and the need for essential living suppliers,” Brown said.
While meteorologists expect lighter winds to provide firefighters with some relief Monday, forecasters warn temperatures are expected to climb again later this week, potentially increasing wildfire danger.
Emergency officials continue urging residents in threatened areas to monitor evacuation orders and remain prepared to leave immediately if conditions deteriorate.