Old Trails Fire Forces Emergency Evacuations Near Nine Mile Falls

A fast-moving wildfire burning near Nine Mile Falls has prompted authorities to issue Level 3 Go Now evacuation orders for area residents. The fire, identified as the Old Trails Fire, has forced residents to leave their homes immediately as conditions deteriorated quickly due to high winds.

The emergency response has been massive, with multiple agencies coordinating to contain the blaze. The fire originated in the Riverside State Park area and has demonstrated aggressive behavior, jumping the Spokane River and threatening various neighborhoods.

Local officials have stressed the urgency of the situation, urging residents to follow all evacuation protocols and stay clear of emergency response zones. Power outages have also been reported in the area as Avista crews work to manage infrastructure impacted by the fire.

This wildfire is part of a broader, dangerous fire season across the region. Governor Ferguson has declared a statewide wildfire emergency to mobilize additional resources, including the deployment of the National Guard, to combat the extreme fire conditions currently threatening Washington state.