# Washington & Okanagan wildfires (Aug 2026) > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/okanagan-okanogan-region-wildfire-activity > Updated: 2026-08-23T07:00:00.000Z. Sources: 325. Developments: 6. The Spokane Complex Fire, comprising the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview ignitions, has seen significant shifts in containment and damage assessments. While early reports indicated the Old Trails Fire ignited on August 1, driving extreme fire behavior due to heat and drought, the complex has now reached 97 percent containment. All evacuation orders have been lifted, though mop-up operations continue. The scale of destruction has been clarified, with 833 structures confirmed destroyed, while firefighting efforts successfully protected at least 11,000 others. Spokane County Assessor Tom Konis estimated that the value of lost structures could exceed $1 billion, potentially making this the most expensive wildfire in Washington state history. To assist, property tax assessments will be lowered for affected homeowners. During the response to the Old Trails Fire—which was determined to be arson—Spokane County Fire District 10 lost a 2,000-gallon tanker truck. The vehicle was consumed by flames after becoming stuck in a ditch during zero-visibility smoke conditions. Officials noted a delay in reporting the loss to respect community members facing property damage; the district is now seeking replacement funding. Regarding the arson investigation, 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci was arrested and charged with first-degree arson. As residents return to evacuated zones, authorities have issued warnings regarding residual heat in metal structures and the removal of fire retardant. The EPA is currently inspecting power grids and public structures to ensure no hazardous materials were released. Additionally, medical and fire officials have issued warnings regarding the use of glutathione supplements, which some organizations offered to firefighters to combat toxic exposure; the International Association of Firefighters cautioned that the supplement is not FDA-approved and lacks proven safety or efficacy. ## Claims - The Old Trails Fire is active on about 1,200‑3,000 acres and threatens roughly 4,000 structures. (disputed by 14 sources) - No homes or other structures were threatened by the fire. (disputed by 6 sources) - The Old Trails Fire in Spokane is active on about 1,200‑1,400 hectares and threatens roughly 4,000 structures. (disputed by 4 sources) - The Spokane Complex Fire burned more than 10,000 acres. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and a burn ban. (corroborated by 18 sources) - More than 1,500 firefighters from about two dozen U.S. states, plus crews from Australia and New Zealand, are fighting the Spokane fires. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Aaron Farinacci was arrested and charged with arson for one of the Spokane-area fires. (corroborated by 16 sources) - More than 600 structures were damaged or destroyed by the Spokane fires. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Approximately 60,000‑67,000 people were evacuated from the Spokane area. (corroborated by 15 sources) - No deaths have been reported from the Spokane fires. (corroborated by 15 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Spokane wildfires cause over $1 billion in damage and trigger medical warnings Spokane wildfires are estimated to have caused over $1 billion in property damage, while officials warn firefighters against using unproven glutathione supplements due to safety and contamination risks. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spokane-wildfires-cause-over-1-billion-in-damage-and-trigger-medical-warnings ### 2026-08-12: Spokane Complex fires reach 97 percent containment The Spokane Complex fires are 97 percent contained, with all evacuation orders lifted. During the blaze, a Spokane County Fire District 10 tanker was destroyed, and an arson suspect was arrested. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spokane-complex-fires-reach-97-percent-containment ### 2026-08-06: Spokane Wildfires Spur Donation Campaigns Across Washington Spokane wildfires have forced 65,000 evacuations; city fund and local drives, led by Casey James, collect aid for victims. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spokane-wildfires-spur-donation-campaigns-across-washington ### 2026-08-05: Spokane wildfires burn 10,000+ acres and destroy hundreds of structures Spokane-area wildfires have burned over 10,000 acres, destroying up to 1,100 structures and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. An arson suspect has been arrested in connection with the blazes. 46 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/washington-wildfires-threaten-tribal-lands-and-regional-communities ### 2026-08-01: Spokane wildfires force evacuations, destroy over 600 structures Spokane wildfires have destroyed over 600 structures, forced about 60,000 evacuations, cut power to 60,000 customers and prompted a statewide emergency declared by Gov. Bob Ferguson. 289 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bradley-creek-fire-burns-10-hectares-near-vernon-bc ### 2026-07-28: Okanogan County Washington Wildfires Burn Over 136,000 Acres Okanogan County, WA faces two lightning‑started wildfires: the 10,878‑acre Ptarmigan Fire near the Canadian border and the 126,000‑acre Kaiser Canyon Fire threatening homes and prompting evacuations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/okanogan-county-washington-wildfires-burn-over-136000-acres --- Cite as: Washington & Okanagan wildfires (Aug 2026). CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/okanagan-okanogan-region-wildfire-activity