Upriver Fire Destroys 15 Homes Near Spokane, 12,000 Under Evacuation Orders

A wind-driven wildfire erupting just east of Spokane, Washington, has destroyed at least 15 homes and forced more than 12,000 residents to flee their neighborhoods, making the Upriver Fire the most destructive fire to hit the Spokane area in recent years.

Fire Behavior and Spread

The Upriver Fire ignited Tuesday, June 17, just before 12:30 p.m. northeast of Spokane city limits and exploded in hot, dry, and breezy conditions. By Wednesday morning, the fire had grown to 217 acres and was burning in a volatile mix of grass, brush, and timber. Gusty winds drove the fire rapidly toward residential neighborhoods in Spokane Valley, giving residents little time to evacuate.

Washington State Fire Marshal officials reported the fire threatened more than 500 homes along with critical infrastructure including power lines and the local water supply. At least one person was reported dead as of Wednesday morning, and one person remained missing.

Evacuation Orders

Spokane County Emergency Management issued both Level 2 (Get Set) and Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation orders affecting neighborhoods in Spokane Valley. The affected Level 3 area is bounded by Bigelow Gulch to the north, Upriver Drive to the south, N. Argonne to the east, and Thierman to the west — residents in that zone were ordered to leave immediately.

Level 2 evacuation areas extended north and east of the Level 3 zone. As of Wednesday evening, some Level 2 areas had been downgraded as crews made progress, but Level 3 orders remained in place closest to the active fire line.

More than a dozen people sought overnight shelter at a temporary Red Cross facility set up at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church. The American Red Cross Northwest Region reported the shelter served residents of all ages, including infants, and several pets.

State Mobilization

Washington State Patrol authorized State Fire Mobilization for the Upriver Fire, bringing in additional resources from across the state. The State Fire Marshal's office confirmed the mobilization allows fire departments throughout Washington to send personnel and equipment to assist local crews.

Interactive Evacuation Map

Residents can view current evacuation zone boundaries at the Spokane County Emergency Management website. People in affected areas should not attempt to return until officials formally downgrade or lift evacuation orders. The cause of the fire is under investigation.