Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Wildfires near Spokane Wind Down as Evacuees Begin Returning Home
Big fires called wildfires started near a city called Spokane in Washington state.
The fires began on August 1 and spread very fast because of strong winds.
Many people, as many as 64,000, had to leave their homes to be safe.
The fires burned about 10,000 acres of land, which is a very large area.
More than 900 homes were destroyed or badly damaged.
Luckily, no one was seriously hurt or died.
Firefighters worked very hard to stop the fires from spreading further.
By Sunday, the fires were calming down, and many people were allowed to go back home.
Some neighborhoods were hit so hard that people must wait longer before returning.
A man was arrested and charged with starting one of the fires, while the cause of the others is still being investigated.
Wildfires near Spokane, Washington, scorched about 10,000 acres and destroyed or heavily damaged more than 900 homes.
Up to 64,000 residents were under evacuation orders at the height of the wind-driven blazes, which erupted on August 1.
Nearly 1,700 firefighters worked Sunday to extinguish hot spots as many evacuees were allowed back to their homes.
No serious injuries or fatalities have been reported; the fire cause remains under investigation, with Aaron Farinacci charged with arson in connection with one blaze.
A separate wildfire in British Columbia burned more than 10,300 hectares, prompting a state of emergency and evacuation orders for about 18,000 people.
- Who
- Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels and nearly 1,700 firefighters; up to 64,000 residents were under evacuation orders; Aaron Farinacci was arrested and charged with arson in connection with one blaze.
- What
- Wind-driven wildfires scorched about 10,000 acres near Spokane, destroying or heavily damaging more than 900 homes.
- When
- The fires erupted on August 1; as of Sunday, August 9, mop-up operations continued and many evacuees began returning home.
- Where
- Spokane, Washington, and surrounding communities; a separate wildfire also burned in British Columbia, Canada.
- Why
- Strong winds fueled the flames; the cause of the Spokane-area fires remains under investigation, though one man has been charged with arson.
- Area burned
- 10,000 acres (4,047 hectares)
- Homes destroyed or heavily damaged
- More than 900
- Residents under evacuation orders at peak
- Up to 64,000
- Firefighters deployed
- Nearly 1,700
- Fires started
- August 1
- Injuries or fatalities
- None reported
- Arson suspect
- Aaron Farinacci, 37, charged in connection with one blaze
- British Columbia wildfire
- Over 10,300 hectares burned; about 18,000 ordered to evacuate