FIRE REPORT: State resources mobilized as Spokane area fires grow; Governor declares statewide emergency

SPOKANE — State and local firefighting resources continue battling the Spokane Area Fires after Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Aug. 1 amid what state officials describe as a record-setting wildfire season driven by drought, extreme heat and high winds. 

The Spokane Area Fires, which include the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires, have burned a combined 8,026 acres in Spokane and Stevens counties and remain zero percent contained, according to an InciWeb incident update released Monday. 

The governor's emergency declaration came as wildfires continued to spread across Washington. 

"Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state," Ferguson said in a statement. "I am declaring an emergency to help prevent loss of life and property damage." 

According to the Governor's Office, Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive statewide drought. More than 1,000 fires have burned approximately 425,000 acres this year, with more than 200,000 acres currently burning in 12 large fires. 

The Old Trails Fire near Airway Heights prompted state mobilization efforts after it was reported at about 11:56 a.m. Aug. 1. According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the fire initially burned an estimated 100 acres of brush and grass while threatening homes and Riverside State Park. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the deployment of state firefighting resources under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan at the request of Spokane County Fire District 10 Chief Don Malone. 

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray activated at Level 2 to coordinate support, while the Fire Protection Bureau ordered five strike teams to assist local firefighters, according to the sheriff's office. 

Fire officials reported that cooler temperatures, higher humidity and heavy smoke helped crews make progress Sunday. 

"Cooler temperatures, higher humidities and thick smoke over the fire area on Sunday allowed firefighters to make significant gains on the Old Trails fire and Fairview fire," the InciWeb update stated. 

The Autumn Lane Fire remained active through Sunday and overnight, and firefighters continue suppression, structure protection and life-safety operations throughout the fire area. 

Officials also warned that numerous structures have been affected. InciWeb reported an unconfirmed estimate of at least 600 structures impacted by the fires, though damage assessment teams are still working to determine the extent of losses. 

The fires come as state officials warn firefighting resources are increasingly strained. 

"This year has already been one of our busiest wildfire years on record, and we just started August," Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said in the governor's announcement. "Our firefighters are already stretched thin across the state." 

Ferguson's emergency proclamation includes a statewide ban on most outdoor burning through Sept. 30, including yard debris burning, land clearing, weed-abatement fires and bonfires. The order also allows Washington to seek additional resources through interstate emergency agreements and authorizes additional National Guard activation if needed. 

Meanwhile, fire managers are urging the public to comply with a temporary flight restriction over the Spokane fires after 26 unauthorized drone incursions were reported Sunday. 

"These incursions significantly impact fire operations," officials said, noting firefighting aircraft may be forced to suspend operations when drones are present. 

The causes of the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires remain under investigation. 

Top three largest fires in Washington 

Kaiser Canyon Fire: 136,422 acres. 38 percent contained. Started July 16. Okanogan County. Lighting caused. The total estimated cost is $35 million.  

Sinlahekin Fire: 85,000 acres. No containment. Started July 26. Okanogan County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $10 million.  

Little Giant Fire: 51,298 acres. No containment. Started July 15. Chelan County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is $30 million.  

Other active fires in Washington 

Border 2 Fire: 5,028 acres. No containment. Started July 16. Whatcom County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is $480,000. 

Bradeen Hill Fire: 4,300 acres. 7 percent containment. Started July 25. Stevens County. Human caused. The total estimated cost is $9.9 million. 

Luna Fire: 950 acres. No containment. Started July 24. Whatcom County. Unknown cause. The total estimated cost is $5 million.  

Modrite Fire: 49,895 acres. 17 percent contained. Started July 17. Ferry County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $20 million.   

Ptarmigan Fire: 14,047 acres. No containment. Started July 17. Okanogan County. Lightning or natural caused. The total estimated cost is $1.8 million. 

Skyo Fire: 254 acres. 69 percent contained. Started July 22. Lewis County. Lightning caused. The total estimated cost is $3 million.  

Spokane Area Fires: 8,026 acres. No containment. Started Aug. 1. Spokane County. Unknown cause. The total estimated cost is $3,450,000. 

SOURCES: INCIWEB, NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER, WATCHDUTY, SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND OFFICE OF GOV. BOB FERGUSON.  

    Burnt stumps are all that remain of sagebrush near Beverly in the wake of the Railroad Fire, which burned more than 8,000 acres north of Mattawa at the end of July.