All articles tagged with #spokane county
A massive Spokane County wildfire overwhelmed local crews, with flames reaching 150 feet and smoke so thick responders dropped to their knees to breathe. Firefighters worked long shifts—one operator logged about 39 hours—without relief as resources were stretched thin; as the blaze consumed homes and neighborhoods, mutual aid from across the country arrived to support the incident command post and help push containment.
The man accused of starting Spokane County's Old Trails Fire is expected to plead in court to a first-degree arson charge, as investigators say the blaze destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate.
A 37-year-old man, Aaron F. Farinacci, was arrested on suspicion of first‑degree arson in connection with the Old Trails fire near Airway Heights, a human‑caused blaze that destroyed about 700 homes. Investigators say ignition evidence at the scene, plus Farinacci being found with waterproof matches and a butane lighter, points to arson. The case is ongoing as the wider wildfire situation in Spokane County remains under investigation, and Farinacci—who has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona—may be a Spokane resident.,
Spokane County commissioners declared a State of Emergency to empower rapid wildfire response, allowing the Sheriff and Emergency Management Deputy Director to bypass standard procurement. Evacuation shelters opened as the Spokane Complex Fire grew to about 3,500 acres north of Airway Heights, with officials estimating roughly 640 structures lost; state fire assistance has been mobilized to help combat the Autumn Fire near Nine Mile.
Level 3 evacuations expanded for the Fairview Fire in Mead as the blaze grew to about 979 acres, with state firefighting resources mobilized, an emergency declaration issued, and evacuation centers opened as residents monitor updates.
Sergeant Kenneth Salas of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office was killed when a motorcyclist, failing to observe emergency signals, struck his patrol car while he was clearing a traffic hazard on eastbound I-90 near Four Lakes. The motorcyclist was injured and hospitalized. Salas, a 34-year law enforcement veteran and Air Force veteran, was remembered as a valued member of the community. The incident is under investigation by the Washington State Patrol.
The Oregon Road Fire near Elk, Washington has grown to over 11,000 acres with 0% containment. More than 80 structures have been destroyed, and one body was found within the fire perimeter. Evacuations have been issued in various areas, including Level 1 evacuations in Reflection Lake and Orchard Bluff areas. Firefighters are working to suppress the fire and protect structures, with hopes of allowing some residents to return home in the next two days if conditions remain favorable. Drone interference with firefighting efforts is subject to penalties.
A wildfire in Spokane County, Washington, has resulted in one death and the destruction of over 185 structures. Washington Governor Jay Inslee has issued an emergency proclamation and expressed gratitude to the first responders. The fire, known as the Gray Fire, has spread over 10,892 acres and is currently 0 percent contained. Evacuation orders have been issued for parts of the county, and a state of emergency has been declared. The wildfire began on the west side of Medical Lake and has caused the closure of Interstate 90.