UPDATE: August 1, 2026 4:24 p.m.
Governor Bob Ferguson said he organized an emergency briefing to discuss the wildfires in Spokane.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely, more to come. If you are in the area, please follow instructions from emergency personnel and obey any evacuation orders,” he said.
In Spokane, the Spokane Police Department told residents who are not evacuating to avoid using Francis Avenue, which is the route for people evacuating from the Old Trails Fire.
UPDATE: August 1, 2026 4:02 p.m.
Screenshot of the Spokane County Evacuation Map taken on August 1, 2026 at 3:55 p.m.
Evacuations for the Old Trails Fire expanded to include residents between Rutter Parkway and Francis Avenue, and the Spokane River to Division.
The evacuated area inlcudes the VA center, according to Congressman Michael Baumgartner, who spoke with NonStop Local near a fire response scene.
An evacuation center opened at the Spokane Falls Community College in the small gym at 3410 W Whistalks Way.
Spokane County Emergency Management told evacuation should be moving eastbound and can use side streets.
WildCAD says the fire is now 2,500 acres large.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources said the national guard was activated for the first time for a fire in Washington since 2021.
Avista issued a statement about outages in the area, saying the fire burned into areas of its system.
“Avista is aware of the Old Trails Fire in Spokane and is closely monitoring the situation. The fire did not originate with our infrastructure but has burned into areas of our system. We are aware of outages as a result. These are a result of the fire and are unconnected with Public Safety Power Shutoffs that have been implemented today. We will begin the process of assessing potential restoration needs when it is safe to do so,” Avista said.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We are grateful for the efforts of emergency personnel working to protect lives and property,” it continued.
At this time, Avista is cooperating with appropriate agencies and will continue to support response efforts as needed,” it added.
UPDATE: August 1, 2026 2:58 p.m.
State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan.
The fire is currently reported to be 1,300 acres large. The current areas are under Level 3 evacuations:
STRONG ON THE NORTH. FRANCIS ON THE SOUTH. SPOKANE RIVER ON THE WEST. FIVE MILE ON THE EAST.
UPDATE: August 1, 2026 2:35 p.m.
Level 3 evacuation orders expanded around 1:58 p.m. to the north, east and west.
Screenshot of the Spokane County Evacuation Map taken on August 1, 2026 at 3:55 p.m.
New evacuation boundaries range from Marchand Road to Trails Road on the south, and Lyons Road to the Assembly Street. Riverside State Park is included in the new evacuations.
Spokane County Emergency Management asked people not to use North 291 Francis Avenue except for as an evacuation route.
Spokane County Emergency Services said people in the evacuation area with animals can take them to the Spokane County Fairgrounds.
An update from WildCAD around 2:08 p.m. said the fire reached 500 acres.
Article update at 12:59 p.m. to update WildCAD acreage estimates.
AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – Level 3 (Go! Leave Immediately!) evacuations were issued to residents in a neighborhood northeast of Airway Heights on Saturday afternoon.
The evacuation orders were issued for people between Newkirk Road and Trails Road, and Westwood Lane and Dowdy Road.
Screenshot of the Spokane County Evacuation Map taken on August 1, 2026 at 3:55 p.m.
The residents “must leave now due to the life-threatening conditions in your area!” according to the evacuation notification.
WildCAD said the fire was 100 acres large around 12:50 p.m. The new estimate showed growth from 20 minutes prior, when it was estimated at 50 acres..
Eastern Washington is currently facing extreme fire weather conditions, which prompted local, state and federal advisories and responses in the region.
Article originally published on August 1, 2026 at 12:28 p.m.