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Governor Declares Emergency as Spokane Wildfires Ravage 700 Homes

8/4/2026

Summary

Ferguson Declares Emergency

Governor Bob Ferguson declared an emergency on August 1 as Spokane wildfires became the worst disaster.
Sheriff John Nowels announced the arrest of 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci for the Old Trails Fire, $1 million bond.
The Red Cross said over 65,000 evacuated and 400 sheltered at Spokane’s convention-center.
Officials reported 700 homes destroyed and 390 square miles burned in 16 blazes.
Avista said 6,445 customers lacked power and firefighters noted containment with no deaths.

Summary

Spokane Schools Open

Spokane Public Schools opened a free emergency drop-in camp for children on August 3.
The Red Cross shelter at the Spokane Convention Center housed about 400 evacuees, including seniors and VA patients, with nursing staff assisting clothing changes.
Spokane County court trials were postponed to August 10 because of the wildfires.
Washington’s congressional delegation wrote to President Donald Trump requesting an expedited emergency declaration for the disaster.

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Ferguson Declares Emergency

Governor Bob Ferguson declared an emergency on August 1 as Spokane wildfires became the worst disaster.
Sheriff John Nowels announced the arrest of 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci for the Old Trails Fire, $1 million bond.
The Red Cross said over 65,000 evacuated and 400 sheltered at Spokane’s convention-center.
Officials reported 700 homes destroyed and 390 square miles burned in 16 blazes.
Avista said 6,445 customers lacked power and firefighters noted containment with no deaths.

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