Update 8/3: Officials provided an update about the Spokane Fire Complex, as the Old Trails Fire and other nearby fires are now being called.

• The number of estimated damaged structures is now as high as 1,100.
• Incident Commander, Tom Clemo, says perhaps “tens of thousands” of structures are still threatened.
• 67,000 people evacuated.
• 290 people requested help evacuating. Spokane County Sheriff’s Office contacted all but 14 of them. They are still trying to contact those 14 people.
• No reported deaths
• Attention today more focused on the Autumn Lane portion of the fire complex, which remained active yesterday and overnight despite favorable weather.
• Aerial Tankers were grounded yesterday due to 26 reported drone incursions into the fire area.
• No founded reports of looting or property theft.

SPOKANE — The Old Trails Fire and the other Spokane Complex fires are now likely the most destructive in state history, with more than 700 structures burned and no reported deaths. Though estimated at just 3,619 acres, the fire has caused the most property damage. More than 60,000 people have been evacuated.

Heartbreaking scenes are common along the western edge of the city as families begin to return to their homes, finding nothing left behind. Columbia Basin News visited with families in a destroyed neighborhood bordering Riverside Park. The destruction is complete. All that is left of most homes is the foundation. Everything else is unrecognizable, consumed by the efficient and quick-burning fire. Many of the ruins still had small flames still burning what little was left.

Near complete destruction

The Howard family evacuated with little time – about 30 minutes. They were searching their home looking for anything recognizable, though not much was left. One of their kids recognized their bed frame, and that was it. They were also able to locate their safe, though the contents were “toasted.” They had lived in their home for 20 years.

But amid the destruction surrounding them, Mr. Howard was mostly busy checking on his neighbors. “This is a very close-knit neighborhood,” he said. “Everyone is going to help everyone out to get through this.”

The Howards are also concerned about their cat, named “Kitty.” Kitty ran away while family members were trying to get her into the car. Lost pets were another common theme throughout the day.

Explosive fire growth

The Old Trails Fire spread explosively, as forecasters predicted any fire that started would. Driven by high winds and extremely low humidity, it found its way north along the city limits, barely pausing at the Spokane River as it made easy work of dry and abundant fuel.

The fire was first reported around noon on Saturday on the West Plains. Firefighters found a 2-3 acre vegetation fire. Eighteen minutes later, the fire had grown to nearly 50 acres. The first evacuations were issued at 12:45. By evening, hundreds of structures had already been lost.

State and federal mobilization

The state is mobilizing every available resource, including the National Guard, to aid in the firefight and recovery. Governor Bob Ferguson said, “We know this is going to be a long-term challenge, and we are here for the long haul.”

There has been no reported loss of life yet. But Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said that her city is “still assessing the potential for lives to be lost.”

Ferguson also said he had spoken with President Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who “understood the severity of the situation.” He added that he expects FEMA assistance to be approved.

Two shelters operating

There are two evacuation shelters operating. One at the Spokane Convention Center and another at Jenkins High School in Chewelah for evacuees in southern Stevens County. Officials are asking people to not bring donations to the shelters as the volunteer staff does not have the resources to evaluate and distribute them. A donation drop-off location is in the works.