Impacted Zip Codes: 99026, 99205, 99207, 99208, 99217, 99218, 99021, 99224
On August 1, 2026, a wildfire erupted in Northwest Spokane during extremely hot, arid, and windy conditions. The fire quickly spread with wind gusts reported between 35 and 45 mph, tossing embers into pine trees and other dry vegetation, accelerating the spread. Within hours of ignition, the fire spread southeast, jumping the Spokane River and threatening a much more densely populated area of the region. To date, approximately 700 homes and outbuildings have burned with no deaths or injuries reported. The burn scar is currently at 5,390 acres and has been deemed the “highest priority fire in the nation.”
Image: Map data @2026 Google; randymajors.org Research Hub LLC.
The fire originated during extreme “red flag” conditions that had been widely advertised throughout the region. In fact, prior to the fire, the National Weather Service issued a “particularly dangerous situation” alert for the first time in Washington State history.
Given the extremely dangerous conditions, local fire departments were prepared to respond, and within hours, 20 aircraft were mobilized to drop water and fire retardant to stem the fire’s spread. Fire crews from neighboring locations, including Idaho and California, have been deployed to assist with containment.
Cozen O’Connor has retained a team of wildfire experts who are currently working with authorities to gain access to the area of fire origin and gather facts/evidence in an effort to determine the cause of this devastating event. Wildfire claims in this region often turn on issues such as utility involvement, land management practices, and railroad operation, which is why we ensure an investigative team is quickly mobilized to gain early access while protecting the integrity of the scene and any valuable evidence.
We will be working with our team of experts throughout the immediate future as the investigation unfolds.
Note: Current evacuation statuses using the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications Evacuation Address Lookup Map can be found here.