Upriver Fire Destroys 15 Homes in Spokane Valley, 12,000 Residents Under Evacuation Orders

A fast-growing wildfire ignited just northeast of Spokane on June 16, 2026, has destroyed at least 15 homes, left one person missing, and placed 12,000 residents under evacuation orders in the Spokane Valley area, according to officials from the Spokane County Sheriff and the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

Evacuation Orders in Effect

Both Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders have been issued for neighborhoods near the fire perimeter. Level 3 orders require immediate departure — residents in these zones should not wait. Level 2 orders mean residents should have their belongings packed and be prepared to leave on short notice.

Family members have reported one person missing following the evacuation. Spokane County Sheriff officials confirmed they have a known location for the search, but said the area remains unsafe for emergency personnel to enter due to active fire conditions.

Fire Details

The Upriver Fire, named for its origin near the Spokane River corridor, started early Tuesday afternoon near Camp Sekani in the northeast portion of Spokane. The fire consumed approximately 230 acres in its initial run and was reported at only 10 percent containment as crews worked to establish lines.

Hot temperatures, critically low relative humidity, and gusty winds contributed to the fire's rapid spread into residential areas. Investigations are ongoing, but officials believe the fire was human caused.

Air Support Deployed

Helicopters drew water directly from the Spokane River to make repeated drops on active flame fronts threatening structures. Fixed-wing aircraft also made retardant drops along the fire's advancing flanks. The Spokane Valley Fire Department coordinated air resources to slow spread and protect homes and property as ground crews worked to build containment lines.

Larger Picture: Washington Fires

The Upriver Fire is one of several wildfires burning simultaneously across Washington State. The much larger Tule Road Fire south of Yakima has burned over 24,000 acres, and additional fires have ignited in southeastern Washington near Juniper Dunes and along Highway 730. The concurrent fires are stretching state and local firefighting resources and highlight the challenging conditions facing the Pacific Northwest as fire season reaches peak intensity.

What Residents Should Do