Power cut to thousands, evacuations remain as crews work to contain historic wildfires raging in Northwest

02:16

Crews work to increase containment on historic Washington wildfire complex

The Spokane Complex Fire continues to burn as crews work to increase containment. While progress is being made, thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders, and elevated fire danger is expected to return. FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar breaks down the latest updates:

SPOKANE, Washington - A historic wildfire emergency has forced at least 65,000 people from their homes, completely upending local communities as the most destructive wildfire in Washington state history tears through the region. 

HERE'S HOW THE WILDFIRES IN SPOKANE COMPARE WITH THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE IN US HISTORY

The Spokane Complex Fire has destroyed over 700 structures and scorched more than 10,000 acres, leaving neighborhoods shattered and completely unrecognizable. Meanwhile, crews continue to work around the clock to increase containment.

Three major fires are burning around the Spokane area. Both the Autumn Lane and Fairview Fires sit at 13% containment, while the Old Trails Fire is just 5% contained.

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The Autumn Lane Fire has crossed the Spokane River into the Indian Trail neighborhood, while the Old Trails Fire continues to spread northwest of the city, threatening homes, nearby communities and water systems in affected areas.

MEET THREEHALVES: THE VIRAL ROBOT DESIGNED FOR EARTH'S MOST DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS

Meanwhile, the Fairview Fire is burning northeast of Spokane and is threatening both neighborhoods and critical power infrastructure.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONTROLLED AND CONTAINED FIRE?

More than a thousand homes remain under evacuation orders, with the highest-level evacuations in place across parts of north and northwest Spokane, including the Indian Trail area and communities near Riverside State Park and Nine Mile Falls. 

A burned pickup truck sits in the driveway of a burned residential home with an untouched home in the background in the Balboa neighborhood of Spokane, Washington, on August 2, 2026. Fast-moving fires left a trail of destruction in the northwestern US city of Spokane on Sunday, with officials reporting hundreds of structures reduced to cinders. Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate their homes Saturday and overnight into Sunday, as three separate fires broke out in and around the city in the east of Washington state.

(Erick DOXEY / AFP / Getty Images)

Thousands of customers are also without power as firefighters battle the fires and utilities shut off electricity in some areas for safety.

CAN YOU TASTE WILDFIRE SMOKE? SCIENTISTS SAY IT'S COMPLICATED

Additionally, air quality continues to be impacted as calmer winds continue to keep the smoke trapped. 

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In fact, smoke has begun reaching California as well as impacting national parks throughout the Pacific Northwest.

TRAVEL ALERT: WILDFIRE SMOKE IMPACTS SOME OF AMERICA'S MOST POPULAR NATIONAL PARKS

Although winds have been calmer, conditions are expected to worsen Friday. A combination of increasing westerly winds, intense heat, and dry air has prompted the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) to add an elevated wildfire risk across the region into Saturday.

Landscape charred as wildfires rage through Spokane, Washington.

(Spokane Valley Fire Department / FOX Weather)

Authorities confirmed that they have a 37-year-old suspect in custody in connection to the devastating fires.

Fueled by a volatile combination of strong winds, dry vegetation, and rugged terrain, the fires erupted over the weekend under extreme conditions. 

LIGHTNING-SPARKED WILDFIRES SCORCH THE NORTHWEST

The threat of explosive growth prompted the SPC to issue a rare 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' (PDS) Fire Weather Warning across parts of central and eastern Washington.

Thousands underwent mass evacuations, as residents across the region were ordered to leave immediately. 

Days later, those Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation orders remain in place for parts of northwest Spokane, Riverside State Park, the West Plains, and surrounding communities.

An American flag sways in the breeze after wildfires devastate community in Spokane, Washington.

(North County Regional Fire Authority / FOX Weather)

Spokane Veterans Affairs also evacuated as officials transferred patients needing continued care to local hospitals, while over two dozen patients were relocated to shelters under VA staff supervision. The campus remains closed until further notice.

Firefighters respond to wildfire near Spokane, Washington, on Aug. 2, 2026.

(South Pend Oreille Fire Rescue / FOX Weather)

Additionally, the Spokane Humane Society successfully evacuated all the animals in their care and they are safe.

STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED IN WASHINGTON AS DANGEROUS WILDFIRES SPREAD ACROSS THE NORTHWEST

To accelerate relief efforts, both state and local leaders have enacted emergency measures. 

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency—enforcing a strict outdoor burn ban through September 30—while Spokane County officials issued their own targeted emergency to aid in timely response efforts.

SURVIVAL EXPERT OFFERS TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRES

00:18

Large flames burn alongside road in Spokane, Washington

🔥 RAGING WILDFIRE: Large flames burn alongside a road in Spokane, Washington, as massive wildfires continue to spread across the region. Officials say more than 600 structures have been destroyed so far.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Fire departments from across the region, as well as the country are assisting with wildfire response efforts, utilizing brush trucks and providing additional personnel.

Stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates on the raging wildfires across the Pacific Northwest