All evacuation levels lifted for Spokane Area Fires

Tuesday afternoon, fire officials lifted all remaining evacuations for the Spokane Area Fires.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said Spokane County remains at high risk for fire starts. They are asking people to stay alert and check the SREC Official Evacuation Map for the most current evacuation level information in the future.

For the most up-to-date evacuation map for Stevens County, click here.

The maps are updated every five minutes.

Although firefighting efforts continue, all evacuation levels have been lifted.

Officials ask people going home for the first time to take their time and be wary of the following:

• Utilities were cut off in many areas for days, so items in the fridge and freezer won’t be edible.
• If doors or windows were left open, check your home for uninvited critters.
• Don’t go digging through ash with your bare hands — it is full of toxic chemicals. The Red Cross has free kits available to help you safely search through the rubble.

• Follow this link to read additional stories from KIRO 7

Fire Infomation

As of Tuesday morning, the Autumn Lane Fire is 89% contained, the Old Trails Fire is 73% contained, and the Fairview Fire is 97% contained.

The fires have collectively burned almost 10,000 acres and forced more than 67,000 people from their homes. An estimated 833 buildings have been destroyed.

Resources from over 20 states and 100 jurisdictions are now helping with the firefight. Over the weekend, there were more than 2,000 firefighters in the Spokane area.

Below is a partial update from Tuesday morning’s press release. You can find the full release here.

“As patrol and mop-up operations throughout the Spokane Area Fires wrap up, efforts will now shift to the critical mission of urban mop-up, in conjunction with the City of Spokane’s HazMat team. This ensures that damaged structures are left in a condition where properties can safely be transitioned to investigators, hazardous waste teams, and debris removal specialists. Utility and transportation crews are continuing to inspect and repair infrastructure in and around fire areas. The Environmental Protection Agency is also on-site and is assessing the conditions of fire-affected areas

Shelters

An indoor evacuation shelter is open at the Spokane Convention Center. Parking is free, and pets are welcome.

An animal shelter is open at the Spokane County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds has its RV grounds open as well for those with evacuated animals.

• Follow this link to read additional stories from KIRO 7

How can I help?

If you’d like to volunteer, donate, or give blood to help those impacted by the fires, call 1 (800) RED CROSS (733-2767). You can also donate online here.

The Salvation Army is also accepting donations. You can donate online here.

Other fires in WA

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