A fast-moving wildfire, fueled by strong winds and extreme heat, swept across northwest Spokane in Eastern Washington yesterday, before crossing the Spokane River and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The Old Trails Fire began around noon in an open area of brush and grass but rapidly spread north and east toward nearby residential neighborhoods, prompting emergency evacuation orders as flames threatened homes.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency yesterday as unusually high temperatures and powerful winds intensified a record-breaking wildfire season across Washington. The National Weather Service issued a particularly dangerous situation red flag warning for eastern Washington, highlighting the heightened risk of extreme fire behavior.

Spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Courtney James, said the blaze generated a large plume of smoke that blanketed parts of the region. She urged Spokane residents to follow evacuation orders, monitor official updates, and remain alert to changing fire conditions. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation. Meanwhile, power company Avista said it had implemented public safety power shutoffs in affected areas due to the elevated wildfire risk.