Washington Wildfires Destroy 846 Structures as 2.9 Million Acres Burn Across Pacific Northwest
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 10
Washington Wildfires Destroy 846 Structures as 2.9 Million Acres Burn Across Pacific Northwest
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 10
Summary
At least 846 structures have been lost around Spokane, making 2026 Washington’s most destructive fire season even as crews continue battling three major blazes.
More than 2.9 million acres have burned across Washington and Oregon after an exceptionally hot, dry July left vegetation primed to ignite; lightning and strong winds then helped more than 600 fires erupt in 10 days.
Containment around Spokane improved by Aug. 9, with no new growth reported on the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires, but officials say the wider danger is far from over.
Across the US, 95 large fires were burning Friday after 6.3 million acres burned this year, and the nation has been at preparedness level 5 since July 18, meaning firefighting resources are fully deployed.
Forecasters see elevated fire risk through September and below-normal precipitation into November, while a 95% chance of a very strong El Niño points to hotter, drier conditions that experts link to climate change.