Wildfires that ignited over the weekend in the Spokane, Washington, area have devastated hundreds of structures, including homes, with federal aid now authorized to combat the blazes. The fires, driven by strong winds and exceptionally dry conditions, have been collectively named the Spokane Complex Fire.
As of Sunday evening, three fires – the Autumn Lane Fire in Spokane County, and the Old Trails and Fairview fires in neighboring counties – had burned approximately 7,708 acres and remained uncontained. The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized the use of federal funds to assist in battling these fires.
"Please continue to stay vigilant if you're in those areas," Gov. Bob Ferguson said Sunday from a command center in Spokane. Authorities reported that at least 600 structures have been destroyed or damaged.
Residents are facing dangerous air quality due to dense smoke blanketing the region. While fire weather conditions have improved in the Pacific Northwest, poor air quality is expected to persist. The extreme fire danger has shifted eastward, with several states from Montana to Nebraska under Red Flag Warnings due to strong winds and low humidity, increasing the risk of new ignitions or rapid spread.
Across the West, more than two-thirds of the region is experiencing drought conditions. In Oregon, over half the state is facing severe drought, with about 20% in extreme drought conditions. This season, wildfires have already burned more than 1.7 million acres in Oregon, with at least 32 large uncontained wildfires burning across the state. This figure follows a record 1.93 million acres burned in Oregon in 2024.
Meanwhile, extreme and record-breaking heat has continued across the West. While cooler temperatures are expected in the Northwest and Northern Rockies on Monday, the Southwest and Central and Southern Rockies will continue to experience high temperatures, with numerous extreme heat warnings and advisories in effect. Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs are expected to see temperatures between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit this week. Heat advisories extend across much of California and into western Oregon. Although the extreme heat has subsided in the Los Angeles area, warm conditions will persist. Denver is forecast to potentially tie its record high of 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday, and Albuquerque could reach a record 102 degrees, surpassing its old record of 99.