A wind-driven wildfire that ignited just east of Spokane, Washington, last Tuesday has left a trail of destruction through a densely populated neighborhood, destroying at least 15 homes and forcing approximately 1,500 residents to evacuate. Investigators are now looking into what may be a fire-related fatality.

Fire Spread Into Residential Neighborhood

The Upriver Fire ignited at approximately 12:17 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, about one mile east of Spokane. The blaze started in grass and timber and quickly moved uphill before shifting winds drove the flames into a nearby residential area. Battalion Chief John Leavell of the Spokane Valley Fire Department described the speed of the fire upon arriving on scene: "As I approached it, I thought this is going to be a big event — this is going fast. It looked like waves of fire going up the hill."

Avista Utilities cut power to the affected area to protect firefighters working fire lines. As of Friday evening, the fire had burned 213 acres and was 60% contained, with fire behavior reduced to creeping and smoldering. Northeast Washington Interagency Team 2, under Incident Commander Nolan Roth, has 303 personnel assigned.

Possible Fatality Under Investigation

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office announced that its forensic unit discovered what appeared to be human remains inside one of the destroyed homes. A family member had requested a wellness check after a resident refused to evacuate and could not be reached. Authorities were working to confirm whether the remains were human and to identify the individual. No other injuries were reported.

Evacuations and Community Impact

Evacuation orders for approximately 1,500 residents remained in effect into Wednesday. Many residents were forced to leave on a moment's notice, sometimes after a deputy knocked on their door, leaving behind belongings and critical medications. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said residents were being escorted by law enforcement one at a time to retrieve essential items before being taken back to safety.

Beyond homes, the fire threatened a school, power lines, parks, businesses, and wildlife areas.

  • Monitor Spokane County Emergency Management for evacuation order updates
  • Do not re-enter evacuated areas until officially cleared
  • Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents who may need assistance
  • Register for emergency alerts through Spokane County alert system

FEMA Grant Approved

The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized the use of a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help cover firefighting costs — the first such grant awarded in Washington State this fire season. The regional FEMA director noted the fire had the potential to constitute a major disaster.