[REVISION HISTORY]

Washington & Okanagan wildfires (Aug 2026)

Updated 27 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-13 21:21 UTC → 2026-08-23 22:12 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~Earlier estimates~~ Spokane County Assessor Tom Konis estimated that the value of ~~700 to 1,100 damaged or destroyed~~ lost structures ~~remain consistent with these findings.~~ 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 during~~ released. Additionally, medical and fire officials have issued warnings regarding the ~~fires.~~ 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.

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