Containment progress for Spokane Complex Fires: Old Trails, Autumn Lane at 13% containment, Fairview at 5%

Containment has improved for all three Spokane fires after “favorable weather” aided firefighters and first responders in their efforts.

The Incident Command System told KXLY that the Old Trails and Autumn Lane Fires are currently at 13% containment, as of this reporting, while the Fairview Fire is at 5% containment. Fire lines have been created to surround all three fires.

With this progress, evacuation levels could be downgraded soon across the Spokane region. 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.

Spokane Complex Fires: 700 homes destroyed, 65K evacuated

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 Spokane County Sheriff’s Office revealed Monday that one of the fires in Spokane was started by arson. A 37-year-old man was arrested Monday night. According to court documents obtained by KIRO 7, the suspect had a fanny pack filled with waterproof matches, a butane lighter, and some cigarettes.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed that more than 5,000 fire personnel are responding to 15 fires across the state, with about a quarter million acres burning. Approximately 900 firefighters are working on the Spokane Complex Fires alone.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency earlier this week due to extreme danger from both the fires and smoke.

“My thoughts are with the first responders and all those under evacuation tonight,” Ferguson said over the weekend. “If you are in the area, please continue to be vigilant and follow the directions of emergency personnel.”

The Old Trails Fire has burned at least 3,509 acres, the Fairview Fire has burned at least 981 acres, and the Autumn Lane Fire has burned at least 900 acres, as of this reporting.

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.

The cause of each fire is under investigation.

You can see the latest on all fires actively burning in Washington by clicking here.

Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest; KIRO 7

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