Upriver Fire Spokane Latest Update: A fast-moving wildfire erupted near the Camp Sekani area along E Upriver Drive in Spokane on Tuesday, forcing emergency officials to issue Level 3 evacuations as flames spread rapidly through dry and windy conditions. Authorities confirmed that multiple agencies and aircraft have been deployed as crews work urgently to protect nearby homes.
The fire started around midday near Upriver Drive, across from Felts Field, and quickly expanded, prompting urgent evacuation orders as conditions worsened. Officials warned residents that the situation remained dangerous and highly active.
Upriver Fire Spokane: Level 3 Evacuations Issued as Fire Threatens Homes
Emergency officials ordered residents in multiple zones to evacuate immediately as the wildfire advanced.
“Residents living between Columbia Dr on North. Upriver on the South. Northwood on the East. Thierman on the West, must leave now due to the life-threatening conditions in your area!”
Authorities later expanded evacuation zones as the fire spread, extending boundaries toward Bigelow Gulch, Argonne and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Level 2 evacuation alerts were also issued for nearby areas, warning residents to remain prepared to leave at short notice.
Spokane Wild Fire: Fire Grows Rapidly Amid Dry and Windy Conditions
Officials reported conflicting early estimates of the fire size, ranging between 50 acres and 100 acres, as strong winds pushed flames across dry terrain.
Fire crews confirmed the wildfire remained at 0% containment as of the latest updates. Officials warned that gusty winds and hot weather conditions were making firefighting efforts more difficult.
Meteorologists also issued a fire weather alert due to the high-risk conditions across the region.
Upriver Fire Spokane: Multi-Agency Response With Aircraft and Ground Crews
The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed that multiple aircraft, bulldozers and strike teams were deployed to control the blaze. Spokane County Fire District #9 and several neighbouring fire districts joined the response, including Districts 3, 4, 8, and 9, along with state and county emergency units.
Officials said crews were working aggressively to slow the spread and protect structures that were already under threat.
Spokane Wild Fire: 165 Homes at Risk as Fire Spreads Near Residential Areas
The American Red Cross confirmed that approximately 165 homes were threatened by the wildfire. Emergency officials warned that conditions could worsen if winds continued.
Authorities urged residents to follow evacuation orders immediately and avoid attempting to return to affected zones. Officials also confirmed that emergency responders were prioritising life safety and structure protection as the fire expanded.
Upriver Fire Spokane: Emergency Shelter Opened for Evacuated Residents
The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, located at 115 N Raymond Rd, to assist displaced residents. Shelter officials said evacuees should bring essential items if time allows, including medication, clothing, hygiene supplies, important documents and items for children.
Red Cross teams said they were prepared to support long-term shelter needs if the evacuation extended overnight.
Spokane Wild Fire: Fire Started Near Upriver Drive and Expanded Quickly
The wildfire began around 12:30 p.m. near Upriver Drive and rapidly spread across the Camp Sekani area. Within hours, emergency responders expanded evacuation zones due to increasing fire activity.
By mid-afternoon, officials confirmed a much wider evacuation area stretching across multiple residential and forest-adjacent zones. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as crews work to bring the wildfire under control.
