Spokane Evacuations as Fast-Moving Wildfires Trigger National Guard Activation

Two fast-moving wildfires in Spokane County forced evacuation orders as the Old Trails Fire spread toward northwest and northeast Spokane; by evening about 4 square miles burned with zero containment. The Washington National Guard was activated to help responders, Gov. Ferguson declared a state of emergency, and a statewide burn ban with red-flag warnings was issued through Sept. 30; Avista implemented public safety power shutoffs as crews work to contain the fires and assess damages.