Reversal: Spokane Wildfire Jumps Spokane River

On Aug. 4, a wind-driven wildfire jumped the Spokane River and pushed into neighborhoods in and near the city of Spokane, triggering new mandatory evacuations.

Evacuation orders covered parts of north Spokane and nearby communities, with additional orders in parts of Spokane and Stevens counties as the fire spread. Thousands left their homes as the blaze advanced toward the urban area.

By Aug. 3, Eastern Washington fires had forced the evacuation of about 5,000 homes and destroyed roughly 600 structures. Totals were still being updated as damage assessments continued.

The fire moved quickly in strong, gusty winds over extremely dry vegetation, sending large smoke plumes from west to east. The National Weather Service had flagged exceptionally high fire danger on Aug. 1 with a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” fire-weather alert, a designation used when rapid, explosive fire growth is likely.

The state declared a wildfire emergency on Aug. 2 to speed aid and mobilize resources. Evacuation zones and shelter information were being updated throughout the day as firefighters worked to protect homes at the city’s edge.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources