Spokane area fires trigger mass evacuations as Old Trails Fire grows north of Airway Heights

Widespread evacuations were issued across the Spokane area Saturday as multiple wildfires spread, including the Old Trails Fire about 2,500 acres north of Airway Heights. Authorities directed evacuation traffic eastbound and urged residents to use side streets, with Level 2 and Level 3 orders in place for neighborhoods around Airway Heights, Mead, Five Mile Falls and Medical Lake. Shelters opened for evacuees, and additional evacuations were announced for the Fairview Fire near Mead and the Autumn Lane Fire near Five Mile Falls. Officials warned of extreme fire weather with red-flag conditions and smoky air, advising residents to stay alert and follow first responders’ instructions.