Home / Disasters and Accidents / Beacon Hill Wildfire Threatens Homes
Beacon Hill Wildfire Threatens Homes
17 Jun
Summary
- Wildfire grew rapidly, consuming 230 acres and threatening hundreds of homes.
- Level 3 evacuations ordered as strong winds push fire into neighborhoods.
- Multiple agencies and aircraft battle the blaze with zero containment reported.
A wildfire on Beacon Hill rapidly escalated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, consuming an estimated 230 acres and advancing into the Northwood neighborhood. Firefighters from multiple agencies, supported by aerial resources, are working to contain the blaze, which reported zero containment due to strong easterly winds. At least five homes were destroyed, and approximately 500 more are threatened.
A Level 3 evacuation, requiring immediate departure, was issued for residents in a significant zone around the fire. An additional "be set" warning was in place for areas further from the immediate threat. Dozens of engines and multiple aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, were deployed for structure protection and to combat the flames directly.
The fire, reported shortly after 12:30 p.m., grew from one acre to 10 acres within 30 minutes and reached 50 acres by 1:45 p.m. State mobilization efforts were approved, with air tankers dropping retardant. The American Red Cross established an emergency shelter in Spokane Valley, and Avista de-energized power lines in parts of northwest Spokane, affecting about 1,800 customers. A National Weather Service red flag warning was in effect for the area due to high winds and low humidity.
