Possible human remains found after resident refused to evacuate during wildfire that destroyed 12 homes

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Upriver Fire engulfs Spokane County neighborhood, destroying 12 homes

The Upriver Fire burned through steep, brush-covered terrain on the outskirts of Spokane, Washington, sending thick smoke across the region and threatening nearby homes. Firefighters from multiple agencies worked to contain the fast-moving wildfire as shifting winds and dry vegetation fueled its spread. Evacuation orders were issued for residents in affected areas while crews battled the blaze from the ground and air.

SPOKANE, WA. – A fire engulfed 12 homes in Spokane, Washington, triggering dozens of evacuations near the impacted area, and when one resident refused to follow evacuation orders, authorities later discovered possible human remains at the home.

Coined the Upriver Fire, the blaze began on June 16 in Spokane County, and has since burned over 200 acres and destroyed 12 homes, triggering numerous Level 3 evacuations in the area near Upriver Drive, north of the Spokane River.

 

(Spokane Valley Fire Department)

According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, fire officials and investigators discovered possible human remains after returning to one of the 12 homes engulfed by the fire.

On the evening of June 16, a family member requested a welfare check at the home of a resident who refused to evacuate and couldn't be contacted despite being under a Level 3 Evacuation Alert.

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When authorities arrived at the home, they found the home destroyed by the fire.

 

(Spokane Valley Fire Department)

The following day, on June 17, detectives, fire investigators and forensics personnel went to the residence and located what appeared to be human remains, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office said.

"My prayers are with the family of an individual who is presumed dead as a result of the Upriver Fire. This has been a devastating fire for this community. I am grateful for responders who evacuated hundreds and are working to contain the fire," Governor Bob Ferguson said on Facebook.

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Before the house was engulfed, deputies from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office were in the vicinity of the home after a separate home nearby was fully engulfed in flames, the Sheriff's Office said. 

The Upriver Fire remains active near Spokane, Washington, with firefighters continuing suppression efforts through the night. As of 9:00 p.m., evacuation levels have been adjusted, with some areas downgraded due to successful firefighting efforts by Spokane County Fire District 9 and its regional and state partners.

(Spokane County Fire District 9)

With other houses and trees on fire near the initial home, deputies quickly evacuated the neighborhood and went door-to-door and advised residents in the neighborhood to evacuate immediately. 

When no one responded, firefighters found the front door unlocked and entered the residence, once again announcing the urgent need to evacuate. They received no reply.

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Moments later, they were ordered to evacuate the area themselves as the fast-moving fire closed in.

An extensive response involving local and state fire crews, engines and aircraft remains underway as firefighters work to contain the destructive wildfire and protect threatened communities in Spokane County.

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As of Thursday morning, the Upriver fire was 217 acres and 10% contained, according to Northeast Washington Fire Information.