Upriver Fire Near Spokane Reaches 75% Containment; Evacuations Downgraded After 15 Homes Destroyed

The Upriver Fire east of Spokane, Washington has reached 75 percent containment as of Sunday, June 21, with evacuation orders being downgraded for most affected areas — but the fire stands as a grim reminder of how quickly early-season fires can devastate communities in the region.

Fire Timeline

The Upriver Fire ignited in mid-June approximately one mile east of Spokane along Upriver Drive in the Spokane Valley. High winds drove the fire rapidly into a Spokane-area neighborhood, forcing the evacuation of approximately 1,200 people and destroying or damaging at least 15 homes. At its peak, the fire burned more than 222 acres, with thick smoke filling the air across the Spokane Valley.

Incident response was managed by the Northeast Washington Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team. The fire was one of the most impactful early-season residential fires in the Spokane area in recent memory.

Current Status

As of June 21, 2026, the Upriver Fire is 75 percent contained per the National Interagency Fire Center. Northwest Fire Information indicated the June 21 update would be the final installment from the incident management team, reflecting that the fire is largely under control. Evacuation levels have been downgraded, with Level 1 (Be Ready) remaining in effect for portions of the fire area while mop-up and patrol operations continue.

Homes Lost and Community Impact

The Upriver Fire destroyed or damaged at least 15 residences in the Spokane Valley — a sobering toll that highlights how urban-interface fires can move faster than residents can respond. One person was reported missing during initial response operations.

The fire spread rapidly due to classic summer conditions in eastern Washington: hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty winds funneling through the Spokane Valley. Dry fuels following a drought year amplified the fire's intensity during the first critical hours.

Looking Ahead

While the Upriver Fire is nearing full containment, fire managers caution that conditions across eastern Washington remain dangerous. The Garred Road Fire in Grant County is now the region's primary active incident, burning nearly 3,500 acres west of Coulee City with Level 3 evacuations in place.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources notes that fire season is well underway across eastern Washington, with above-normal fire potential forecast through August due to drought conditions and above-average temperatures.

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