🔥 2026 Spokane Complex Fire: Recovery Resources
Information and resources for neighbors impacted by the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires. Our community is recovering together — you are not alone in this.
What Happened
Beginning Saturday, August 1, 2026, three fast-moving, wind-driven wildfires — the Old Trails Fire (Northwest Spokane), the Autumn Lane Fire (Suncrest area), and the Fairview Fire (Mead) — swept into populated areas in and around Spokane. Collectively known as the Spokane Complex Fire (also referred to as the Spokane Area Fires), the blazes burned more than 10,000 acres, forced the evacuation of an estimated 60,000–65,000 residents, and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and structures.
As of the most recent update (August 13, 2026), all three fires were at approximately 97% containment, with an estimated 833 structures damaged or destroyed. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters and first responders, nearly 11,000 structures were saved and there were no reported deaths. A suspect was arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire.
With containment now well established, evacuation levels have been significantly reduced across the fire areas. Most zones have been downgraded to Level 1, allowing many residents — including much of the Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie neighborhoods — to return home. A smaller number of areas closer to the fire footprint, including parts of Suncrest, remain under higher evacuation levels. Check the official sources below for the current status of your specific address.
Fire conditions, containment status, and recovery program details continue to change. This page will be updated as new information becomes available — please also check the official sources linked below for the most current details.
📋 Disaster Declarations in Effect
- Federal Emergency Declaration: Approved by the President, authorizing FEMA to coordinate federal disaster relief, with the federal government covering 75% of eligible response costs.
- Washington State Emergency Order (Insurance): A special order for property and auto insurers is in effect through September 30, 2026, in affected and adjacent ZIP codes. It requires a 45-day grace period for premium payments, no cancellation for nonpayment without the policyholder’s request, and extended nonrenewal notice periods.
🌱 Recovery Steps for Impacted Residents
Recovery happens step by step. Here’s where to start.
1️⃣ Register for Federal & State Assistance
Register with FEMA as soon as possible — this is the fastest way to start the recovery process.
If you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, you may also qualify for a low-interest SBA disaster loan.
🔗 sba.gov/disaster — or call (800) 659-2955
2️⃣ Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer immediately to begin a claim. Photograph all damage before starting any cleanup, and keep receipts for any emergency expenses (lodging, food, supplies).
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has set up a Disaster Assistance Center with representatives from multiple insurers available to help with claims questions.
3️⃣ Connect with Long-Term Recovery Support
The Spokane Region Long-Term Recovery Group coordinates case management and rebuilding support for individuals and families over the months and years ahead.
After the Fire USA offers recovery checklists, rebuilding guidance, and third-responder support specific to this disaster.
4️⃣ Access Emergency & Basic Needs Support
If you were evacuated and need shelter, contact the American Red Cross at (509) 783-6195. Evacuated animals can be sheltered at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana Street.
Spokane Community Resources maintains a comprehensive list of financial, food, housing, and mental health assistance available to survivors.
5️⃣ Care for Your Mental Health
Disaster recovery takes a toll — emotionally as well as physically. It’s normal to feel grief, stress, or exhaustion in the weeks and months after a loss like this. Free crisis counseling and mental health support are available through the Long-Term Recovery Group and Washington’s Disaster Distress Helpline.
📞 Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (call or text)
6️⃣ Stay Alert to Scams
Fraud increases after every disaster. Legitimate government disaster assistance programs never charge a fee to apply and will never ask for banking information or your Social Security number over the phone or by unsolicited email/text.
Be cautious of anyone soliciting donations, offering “guaranteed” rebuilding contracts, or requesting upfront payment for cleanup work. Verify contractors through the WA Department of Labor & Industries before signing anything.
🗺️ Current Fire & Evacuation Information
Evacuation levels, containment status, and road closures continue to be updated regularly. For the most current, official information:
- 🔗 City of Spokane Wildfire Information — official city updates, resources, and response information
- 🔗 Spokane County Wildfire Information — evacuation maps, shelter locations, and official updates
- 🔗 InciWeb — federal incident tracking for the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires
- 📱 Watch Duty app — live fire maps and verified incident alerts
💚 Want to Help Your Neighbors?
If you’re able to give, support vetted local recovery organizations working directly with fire survivors, such as the Innovia Foundation’s Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund or the Spokane Region Long-Term Recovery Group. If you’re able to volunteer your time, reach out to the Long-Term Recovery Group to be connected with current needs.
Spokane Region Long-Term Recovery GroupIf you’re a neighbor in the Audubon-Downriver area affected by the fires and unsure where to start, reach out to us — we’ll do our best to help point you toward the right resource or connect you with neighbors who can help.
Last updated based on information available as of August 15, 2026. Fire and recovery program details change frequently — please verify current status with the official sources linked above.