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Spokane Wildfire Forces Evacuations
2 Aug
Summary
- Level 3 evacuations ordered due to Old Trails Fire.
- Washington governor issued a burn ban Saturday.
- Dangerous Red Flag Warning issued for Eastern Washington.
A swift-moving wildfire in Spokane County, Washington, known as the Old Trails Fire, has prompted the highest level of evacuation orders, forcing residents to flee their homes. Emergency officials issued Level 3 evacuation notices, advising immediate departure due to dangerous conditions and opening an evacuation shelter.
On Saturday, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson enacted a burn ban across the state. This measure coincided with a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service for Central and Eastern Washington, effective from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The warning signifies extreme fire weather, where new fires can escalate rapidly and firefighting conditions become significantly more hazardous. Historically strong winds and low humidity were cited as factors contributing to a high risk of unpredictable and rapid fire behavior in the Spokane area.
