SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Two destructive wildfires burning in Spokane County have destroyed hundreds of structures, burned tens of thousands of acres and claimed the lives of two people.
KREM 2 is continuing to track the fires as crews work to contain them. You can find the most up to date information on evacuations, containment and more below:
GRAY FIRE
The Gray Fire sparked on Aug. 18, 2023 near Gray Road in Medical Lake and quickly spread to the east and southeast through Medical Lake and across I-90. The fire prompted a town-wide evacuation for Medical Lake and multiple surrounding areas.
Fast facts
- Location: Medical Lake, Wash.
- Approximate size: 10,085 acres
- Containment: 97%
- Crews fighting the fire: 227
- Cause: Under investigation
- Fatalities: 1
- Structures destroyed: 259 (estimated)
Evacuations
For the most up-to-date evacuations, click here.
Evacuation centers
Spokane Falls Community College located at 3410 W Whistalks Way. Assistance available at the shelter will include food, cots and other needs. Evacuating residents are encouraged to bring the following:
- Prescription and emergency medication
- Extra clothing
- Pillows, blankets
- Hygiene supplies
- Important documents, and other comfort items
- Special items for children and infants, such as diapers, formulas and toys
- Other items for family members who may have other needs
Large animals can be taken to the Spokane Fairgrounds, located at 404 N. Havana Street in Spokane Valley.
The Disaster Assistance Center for Spokane County wildfire victims will officially close on September 1.
OREGON ROAD FIRE
The Oregon Road Fire sparked on Aug. 18, 2023 on E. Oregon Road in Elk. The fire prompted Level 3 evacuations and resources from all over Washington state have arrived to combat the blaze. Firefighters say they have sections of lines around the fire and they are beginning to stitch them all together. Once that is done the containment number will rise.
As of Aug. 29, all evacuations for the Oregon Road Fire have been lifted.
Fast facts
- Location: Elk, Wash.
- Approximate size: 10,817 acres
- Containment: 91%
- Crews fighting the fire: 181
- Cause: Human: Still under investigation
- Fatalities: 1
- Structures destroyed: 126 primary residences and 258 outbuildings
Evacuation centers
A Red Cross shelter was made available at Riverside High School at 4120 E. Deer Park Milan Road in Chattaroy, WA.
Assistance available at the shelter included food, cots and other needs. Evacuating residents were encouraged to bring the following:
- Prescription and emergency medication
- Extra clothing
- Pillows, blankets
- Hygiene supplies
- Important documents, and other comfort items
- Special items for children and infants, such as diapers, formulas and toys
- Other items for family members who may have other needs
Large animals were taken to the Newport Rodeo Grounds if needed, according to the Pend Oreille County Sheriff's Office.
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