Update: The Old Trails Fire burning in Spokane Valley, Washington, has grown to approximately 2,300 acres.
Level 3 evacuation orders are in effect for areas bordered by Rutter Road to the north, Strong Road to the south, the Spokane River to the west, and Division Street to the east.
According to units at the scene, the fire has reached the area of W. Strong Road and N. Molly Road.
An evacuation shelter has opened at Spokane Falls Community College in the small gymnasium. An animal shelter is also available at the Spokane County Fairgrounds for residents who need assistance evacuating pets.
Residents can view the latest evacuation map here for updated information.
Initial report: A fast-growing wildfire known as the Old Trails Fire has prompted evacuation alerts in Spokane Valley, Washington. The blaze was first reported Saturday afternoon and had grown to approximately 2,000 acres by 3 pm local time, according to WatchDuty. The fire was initially reported as the Euclid Fire before being renamed the Old Trails Fire.
Evacuation alerts and map
{{/usCountry}}Initial report: A fast-growing wildfire known as the Old Trails Fire has prompted evacuation alerts in Spokane Valley, Washington. The blaze was first reported Saturday afternoon and had grown to approximately 2,000 acres by 3 pm local time, according to WatchDuty. The fire was initially reported as the Euclid Fire before being renamed the Old Trails Fire.
Evacuation alerts and map
{{/usCountry}}Level 3 evacuation orders have been issued for areas bordered by Strong Road to the north, Francis Avenue to the south, Five Mile Road to the west, and Cedar Road to the east.
Level 2 evacuation orders are in effect for areas bordered by Price Avenue to the north, Francis Avenue to the south, Cedar Road to the west, and Division Street to the east, according to the Spokane Evacuation Map.
Spokane County Emergency Management advised residents not to use North 291 Francis Avenue except as an evacuation route.
Residents can view the latest evacuation map here for updated information.
Also Read: Mishawaka fire update: Residents report explosions as videos capture massive blaze
Shelters
An evacuation shelter has opened at Spokane Falls Community College in the small gymnasium. The address is 3410 W. Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224, according to Spokane County Emergency Management.
An animal shelter has also opened at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, officials said.
Extreme fire weather alert
Before the fire began, the Spokane Valley Fire Department warned residents about dangerous fire conditions across the region.
In a Facebook post, the department said, "The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning for Spokane County today, Saturday, August 1, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Forecasted wind gusts of 40–50 mph, combined with hot, dry conditions, mean any new fire could spread rapidly and become uncontrollable.
To help ensure a rapid response, Spokane Valley Fire Department is staffing an additional engine and brush truck today in anticipation of these dangerous conditions.
Please do your part to prevent fires:
• Avoid any activity that could create sparks or flames.
• Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.
• If a wildfire starts near you, be prepared to evacuate immediately. Conditions today could cause fires to spread with little warning.
Help us keep our community safe by staying vigilant and making fire-safe choices today."