More than 1,500 firefighters from 24 US states are working extended shifts to contain the Spokane Complex Fire in Washington state ahead of a forecast of hotter, drier conditions later this week.
According to officials, the wildfire has damaged or destroyed nearly 850 structures since it erupted on Saturday, making it one of the most destructive fires in Washington’s history.
Authorities said the fire has expanded by only two acres since Monday, as crews continue to strengthen containment lines despite challenging conditions.
“We’ve made tremendous progress,” said Tom Stokesberry, spokesperson for the California Interagency Incident Management Team, which is leading the firefighting effort.
Approximately 67,000 residents have been displaced, although no fatalities have been reported.
Stokesberry said firefighters remain cautiously optimistic that if containment lines hold through the weekend, the fire’s forward spread could be halted. However, he warned that recovery efforts are expected to continue for an extended period.
As of Wednesday, the Old Trails Fire and Autumn Lane Fire were each 13% contained, while the Fairview Fire was 5% contained. Combined, the three fires have burned 10,546 acres.
Firefighters, including elite Hotshot crews, are working up to 16-hour shifts to extinguish remaining hot spots, with additional personnel expected to reinforce operations over the weekend.
Michael Kelly, spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, said the destruction of more than 800 structures means the Spokane Complex Fire is likely among the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history, surpassing the 2023 Grey and Oregon Road fires near Spokane.