Spokane Fires Leave Thousands Evacuated; Arson Suspect Arrested

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:27:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Wildfires in Spokane have destroyed over 860 buildings, forced mandatory evacuations, and led to an arson arrest.

The wildfires that have scorched Spokane, Washington, have forced mandatory evacuations for thousands, burning more than 860 buildings including hundreds of homes. A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of arson for one of the city fires. BBC journalist Max Matza reports from a neighbourhood swept by the blazes, capturing the devastation and community impact.

Wildfires that have ravaged the Spokane, Washington area have scorched at least 860 buildings—including hundreds of homes—forcing thousands of residents to remain under mandatory evacuation orders.

Authorities have arrested a suspect for arousing one of the fires that erupted in the city, illustrating the potential role of human activity in the disaster. The arson investigation is ongoing.

BBC reporter Max Matza brings the human perspective from a neighborhood that has been engulfed by the flames, detailing how residents are coping, the steps being taken to clear the blaze, and the long‑term outlook for recovery.

As the blaze continues to spread under extreme weather conditions, emergency services are coordinating with local government and fire officials to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities.