Spokane Residents Walk Miles Into Level 3 Fire Zones as Roadblocks Keep Cars Out
Updated
Updated · KXLY Spokane · Aug 7
Spokane Residents Walk Miles Into Level 3 Fire Zones as Roadblocks Keep Cars Out
3 articles · Updated · KXLY Spokane · Aug 7
Summary
Hundreds of Spokane residents are parking at checkpoints and walking miles into Level 3 evacuation zones to reach homes that survived the firestorm, despite vehicle bans.
Those trips have become a workaround for people retrieving belongings or carrying groceries and supplies, with neighbors inside the zone shuttling walkers from checkpoints to their homes.
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office said the restrictions are meant to prevent injuries from re-ignitions and damaged areas, and warned that anyone entering on foot is doing so at their own risk.
Some zones will not be downgraded until the end of the weekend, while residents in damaged areas could wait weeks to return, deepening frustration over homes that remain standing but largely inaccessible.