Nearly four weeks after the Spokane Complex Fire roared through eastern Washington's most populous county, residents are returning to their neighborhoods — but to a landscape that officials are calling an ongoing hazmat situation. The three fires that composed the complex — the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire, and the Autumn Lane Fire — together destroyed or damaged more than 900 structures and caused what is expected to be the costliest wildfire in Washington state history.

The Fires That Shocked a City

The Spokane Complex ignited on the afternoon of August 1, 2026, under a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service — the highest possible fire weather alert designation. Persistent strong winds, single-digit relative humidity, and critically dry fuels sent all three fires racing across the urban-wildland interface faster than evacuation orders could spread.

Within hours, some 65,000 Spokane-area residents had been forced to flee. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide state of emergency that same evening and announced a burn ban through the end of September. The following morning, state officials and National Guard commanders warned that scenes emerging as daylight broke would be shocking.

"In Spokane, it's a tragedy what we are seeing over there," said Washington Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh on August 2. "When the sun rises, we are going to be in shock to see the scenes that come out of there."

Damage Assessment

In the weeks since, damage assessors have tallied more than 900 structures destroyed or damaged — including hundreds of homes in residential neighborhoods, vehicles, garages, and commercial properties. The Old Trails Fire proved the most destructive, torching 640 structures on its own.

Spokane County Assessor Tom Konis told The Spokesman-Review that reconstruction costs are expected to exceed $1 billion, setting a new record for the most expensive wildfire in Washington state history. Thousands of families remain displaced, and the timeline for full rebuilding is measured in years, not months.

Returning Home — Carefully

Evacuation orders in most areas have been lifted, and residents are being allowed back — but officials warn the situation remains hazardous. Ash and debris from burned structures contain heavy metals, asbestos, and other toxic materials that pose serious health risks. Residents are urged to wear N95 masks or better, avoid touching ash, and keep children and pets away from debris fields.

Spokane's City Plan Commission is considering code changes that would allow property owners to place accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots where the primary structure was destroyed, giving displaced families a faster path to stable housing while rebuilding proceeds.

Current Fire Status

All three fires in the Spokane Complex are now fully contained. The broader Washington fire situation, however, remains active, with 15 large fires burning across the state as of August 26. The Ptarmigan and Sinlahekin fires are at 55 and 53 percent containment, respectively, while the Little Giant Fire in Chelan County continues to pose an active threat to more than 6,000 structures.

For Spokane-area residents navigating insurance claims, debris removal, or mental health resources, Spokane County Emergency Management is coordinating assistance at local recovery centers.