Overview
- The three-fire complex near Spokane, which ignited last weekend, has burned more than 10,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes, forcing mass evacuations and long recovery for many residents.
- Crews have made localized gains and are conducting mop-up work around secured lines, but active burning continues, firefighters have suffered burn injuries and officials warn conditions remain precarious.
- A Spokane resident was arrested and charged with first-degree arson in one blaze and reportedly admitted to starting that fire and more than two dozen other ignitions, according to court documents.
- Western Washington air quality improved by Friday as onshore westerly winds pushed smoke east, while Air Quality Alerts and Red Flag Warnings remain in effect for much of central and eastern Washington.
- More than 40 large fires are burning across Washington and Oregon, straining mutual-aid resources, driven by exceptionally dry fuels described by analysts as the driest in decades and linked by officials to longer, warmer dry seasons.