Spokane Complex Fires: 700 homes destroyed, 65K evacuated
Aug 4, 2026, 6:08 AM
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
In an announcement Monday, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said investigators now believe that one of the fires in Spokane was started by arson.
The office said a 37-year-old man was arrested Monday night and is set to appear in court in the coming days.
The announcement comes as at least 65,000 people have been evacuated, and 700 homes have been destroyed by a series of wildfires in the Spokane area, collectively known as the Spokane Complex fires.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed those numbers early Monday, adding that over 5,000 fire personnel were responding to 15 fires across the state, with about a quarter million acres burning.
In Spokane alone, around 900 people were working on the complex fires, according to DNR.
The complex is currently comprised of three fires:
- The Old Trails Fire, which has burned at least 3,509 acres
- The Fairview Fire, which has burned at least 981 acres
- The Autumn Lane Fire, which has burned at least 900 acres
As of Monday morning, the fires remain uncontained.
The cause of each fire is under investigation.
There’s no word yet on any injuries or deaths. According to the fire information center, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is compiling a list of the missing, but it is not yet known how many people are on that list.
Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency due to extreme fire danger and is set to hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Monday to give an update.
“My thoughts are with the first responders and all those under evacuation tonight,” he shared Saturday evening. “If you are in the area, please continue to be vigilant and follow directions of emergency personnel.”
Evacuations
There are several Level 3 ‘Go Now’ evacuations for the fires. To view the most up-to-date evacuations for homes and businesses in Spokane County, click here. The map is updated every five minutes.
Shelters
An evacuation shelter is open for those affected by the Old Trails Fire at the Spokane Convention Center. Parking is free, and pets are welcome.
An evacuation center has been established at Northwood Middle School for those displaced by the Fairview Fire.
An animal shelter is open at the Spokane County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds has its RV grounds open as well for those with evacuated animals.
There is a Red Cross shelter in Chewelah at Jenkins High School for evacuations in south Stevens County.
Other fires in WA
You can see the latest on all fires actively burning in Washington by clicking here.
