Spokane fire destroys more than a dozen homes, at least 1 person missing
Jun 17, 2026, 4:03 PM | Updated: 4:06 pm
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders remain in place for Spokane residents near the Upriver Fire.
Fifteen homes have been lost, and at least one person is missing due to the fire, The Spokesman-Review reported Wednesday.
6/16/26 248p @scfd8 firefighters currently working on the #upriverfire pic.twitter.com/KmllMBbh6B
— Spokane Co.FD8 Firefighters (@spokaneco8_3711) June 16, 2026
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders have been issued for residents between E. Bigelow Gulch Rd. and the Spokane River. Level 2 “Be Set” orders have been given for residents in the surrounding area.
UPDATED Level Evacuations.
Link to Evacuation Map: https://t.co/6UoiT5UU4r #UpriverFire #SCSO #SpokaneCOunty #SpokaneValley #Spokane https://t.co/0gZl3bi0Hx pic.twitter.com/Ann53M6pjH
— SpokaneSheriffOffice (@SpokaneSheriff) June 16, 2026
Aircraft have been dropping water and retardant on the fire, Spokane Valley Fire reported.
Multiple aircraft are actively dropping water and retardant on the #UpriverFire, with helicopters refilling from the Spokane River as crews work to slow the fire’s spread.
Please stay off the water and away from the area so aircraft can operate safely.#SVFD pic.twitter.com/VB3GkJWVLo
— Spokane Valley Fire (@SpokaneValleyFD) June 16, 2026
Officials are asking people to stay off the water and away from the area so aircraft can operate safely.
The Upriver Fire is burning around 222 acres and is 10% contained, according to The Seattle Times.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ map lists the fire as human-caused.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This story was originally published on June 16, 2026. It has been updated and republished since then.
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