Gov. Bob Ferguson Visits Spokane as Wildfire Containment Nears

SPOKANE, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson spent the last couple of days visiting the same Spokane-area neighborhoods flames sent families scrambling for safety more than a week ago.

Now, firefighters are walking back through the burn scars, searching for heat that could still threaten homes, crews and people returning to their neighborhoods.

Ferguson returned to Spokane again this week to thank firefighters and other emergency responders battling the Spokane area fires. The visit came as crews made significant progress on the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires.

“Glad to be able to thank responders in person in Spokane today. Thanks to the hard work of thousands, we’ve seen significant progress in containment and mop-up despite difficult conditions.”

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson

The latest incident update shows the three fires have burned a combined 9,944 acres across Spokane and Stevens counties.

Crews have also reached a critical transition point. Much of the remaining work now involves finding and suppressing residual heat and removing hazards inside the fire perimeters.

Three Fires Are Now at Least 53% Contained

As of Monday, Aug. 10, officials reported the following update.

Fire Containment Update — Monday, Aug. 10
Autumn Lane Fire: 73% contained
Old Trails Fire: 53% contained
Fairview Fire: 53% contained
Total acreage: 9,944 acres
Structures damaged or destroyed: 921 estimated
Cause: Under investigation

Fire crews have searched areas near containment lines and structures for remaining heat, and they have successfully suppressed much of it.

Crews still face dangerous conditions in heavily burned areas. Fire-weakened trees can fall without warning, and ash pits can remain dangerously hot beneath the surface. Burned structures and vehicles can also contain hazardous materials.

Returning Residents Still Face Hidden Dangers

Officials have lowered evacuation levels around all three fire areas. However, Level 3 evacuation restrictions remain in place within portions of all three fire perimeters.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has also reopened Highway 291.

Officials warn that areas can look safe while dangerous conditions remain. Burned structures and vehicles may still contain extreme heat and toxic materials, and some sites can also release toxic vapors.

Firefighters working in urban mop-up areas will wear protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus. Officials encourage people returning to damaged areas to obtain personal protective equipment before approaching burned structures.

Spokane Warns Residents About Water Lines

The return home also comes with a warning for Spokane residents. The city recommends that people returning to their homes flush interior plumbing fixtures, since stagnant water may have remained in household pipes during evacuations. Residents should follow the city’s guidance before using that water.

Fire Crews Are Moving Into a Different Phase

The focus has shifted from stopping rapid fire growth to securing areas already burned. That means crews are concentrating on remaining heat, damaged structures and other hazards, while utility and transportation crews continue inspecting and repairing infrastructure around the fire areas.

The change does not mean the fires are fully under control. It means firefighters have gained enough ground to focus more resources on mop-up and recovery.

The state has also maintained a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Autumn Lane and Old Trails fires. Officials reported no drone incursions during the previous 24 hours.

Smoke Will Continue Affecting Air Quality

Weather conditions have improved following the passage of a cold front. Temperatures, humidity and winds have returned to more reasonable levels.

Smoke will still affect air quality, however. Residents should continue checking local air-quality conditions, particularly in areas close to the fires.

Ferguson Announces Additional Help for Wildfire Survivors

Ferguson’s Spokane visit also comes as his administration works on additional assistance for people affected by Washington’s wildfires.

On Monday, Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation suspending certain state laws to help wildfire survivors access assistance, documents, health care and housing. The order also provides relief for some businesses affected by the fires.

The fires have displaced tens of thousands of people and destroyed or damaged hundreds of structures. Reuters reported Monday that about 64,000 people had faced evacuation orders during the emergency and nearly 1,700 firefighters were working on the three major fires.

The latest incident update now puts the structure damage estimate at 921.

Public Meetings Continue This Week

California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 is holding public meetings throughout the Spokane area this week. The meetings provide residents with updates about the fires and the ongoing response, and each also offers a virtual option.

Public Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 6 p.m. — Old Trails Fire (District 10, City of Spokane), Shadle Park High School, 4327 N. Ash St., Spokane
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 6 p.m. — Autumn Lane Fire (Stevens County Fire District 1), Lakeside High School, 5909 WA-291, Nine Mile Falls
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 6 p.m. — Autumn Lane Fire (District 9 and District 4), Mead High School, 302 W. Hastings Road, Spokane
Thursday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m. — Old Trails Fire (District 10, City of Spokane), Shadle Park High School, 4327 N. Ash St., Spokane

The Fire Threat Is Easing, but the Recovery Is Beginning

The latest numbers show a dramatic improvement from the first days of the Spokane-area fire disaster. Containment has climbed significantly, evacuation areas are shrinking and Highway 291 has reopened.

But the work is far from finished. Firefighters still have to secure remaining heat sources and deal with dangerous structures, ash pits, damaged trees and hazardous materials.

For residents returning home, the landscape may look quiet. Officials warn that some of the most serious hazards may be impossible to see.

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