11
300-Acre Wildfire Explodes: Expanded Evacuations Ordered Near Airway Heights
Big Wildfire Near Airway Heights: Everything You Need to Know (Simple Guide)
What Happened?
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, a wildfire started burning northeast of Airway Heights, Washington. Fire officials call this the Euclid Fire. Because the fire is moving fast and conditions are very dangerous, authorities told people in nearby neighborhoods to leave immediately.
IMPORTANT SAFETY ALERT
This is a Level 3 "GO NOW" evacuation.
If you are in the evacuation zone, do not wait. Grab your family, pets, and go-bags and leave right away. Your life is more important than anything you own.
Where Is the Fire Burning?
The fire is in Spokane County, just northeast of Airway Heights. Here are the roads that mark the evacuation area:
Original Evacuation Zone (Announced ~12:28 PM)
- North to South: Newkirk Road → Trails Road
- West to East: Westwood Lane → Dowdy Road
EXPANDED Evacuation Zone (Updated at 1:10 PM)
The danger area got bigger! It now includes:
- South Edge: Marchand Road → Trails Road
- North/East/West Edges: Lyons Road → Spokane River
Check the Official Map:
Spokane County Evacuation Map
Type your address to see if you need to leave.
What Does "Level 3 Evacuation" Mean?
Think of evacuation levels like a traffic light:
| Level | Name | What It Means (ELI5) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | READY | "Pack a bag. Be ready to go." |
| Level 2 | SET | "Load the car. Be by the door." |
| Level 3 | GO! | LEAVE RIGHT NOW. DO NOT WAIT. |
This fire is LEVEL 3. That means:
- Fire is very close
- Roads might get blocked soon
- Smoke makes it hard to see and breathe
- Firefighters cannot stop to help you if you stay
How Big Is the Fire? (And How Fast Is It Growing?)
The fire grew really fast in just over an hour:
| Time | Size | What That Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| ~12:30 PM | 50 acres | ~38 football fields |
| ~12:50 PM | 100 acres | ~76 football fields (doubled in 20 mins!) |
| ~1:35 PM | 300 acres | ~227 football fields (tripled in 45 mins!) |
Key Takeaway: This fire is spreading quickly. That’s why the evacuation zone keeps getting bigger.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Eastern Washington has extreme fire weather right now. That means:
- Very hot temperatures
- Strong winds (push fire fast)
- Super dry grass and trees (burn like paper)
- Possible lightning (starts new fires)
Because of this, the Governor declared a burn ban and there are 10+ wildfires burning across Washington state right now.
What Should You Do RIGHT NOW?
If You’re IN the Evacuation Zone:
- GO IMMEDIATELY — Don’t pack the whole house
- Grab your "Go Bag" (see checklist below)
- Take all people & pets — Don’t leave animals behind
- Drive calmly — Follow traffic directions from deputies
- Don’t wait for a knock on the door — The alert IS your warning
If You’re NEAR the Zone (but not in it yet):
- Pack your car NOW — Be ready to leave in 5 minutes
- Check the map every 15 mins — Zone keeps expanding
- Text/check on neighbors — Especially elderly or disabled folks
- Monitor local news — KHQ, Spokane County Emergency Management
Your "Go Bag" Checklist (Keep by the door!)
- [ ] People & Pets (leashes, carriers, food)
- [ ] Phones + Chargers (portable battery pack too)
- [ ] Medications (7-day supply if possible)
- [ ] Important Papers (IDs, insurance, deeds – or photos on phone)
- [ ] Cash & Cards (ATMs may not work)
- [ ] Water & Snacks (granola bars, nuts)
- [ ] Change of Clothes (include sturdy shoes)
- [ ] Flashlight + Batteries
- [ ] Mask (N95 best for smoke)
Where Can You Go?
Official shelters will be announced by Spokane County Emergency Management. In the meantime:
- Go to family/friends outside the zone
- Hotels in Spokane, Cheney, Medical Lake (book fast!)
- Fairgrounds or community centers often open as shelters
- Listen to 920 AM KXLY or KHQ TV for shelter locations
How to Stay Informed (Official Sources Only)
| Source | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Spokane County Emergency Alerts | Text/phone alerts — Sign up here |
| KHQ Local News | Live updates — khq.com |
| InciWeb (Federal Fire Info) | Official fire maps & stats — search "Euclid Fire" |
| WildCAD | Real-time 911 dispatch info (what firefighters see) |
| NWS Spokane Weather | Fire weather warnings — weather.gov/otx |
Quick Summary
| What | Euclid Wildfire — Fast-moving, dangerous |
|---|---|
| Where | NE of Airway Heights, Spokane County, WA |
| When | Started morning of Aug 1, 2026 — Growing fast |
| Evacuation | LEVEL 3 — GO NOW (Zone expanded at 1:10 PM) |
| Size | 300+ acres as of 1:35 PM (was 50 acres at 12:30 PM) |
| Why Dangerous | Extreme heat, wind, dry fuel = explosive fire growth |
| You Should | Leave immediately if in zone. Prepare to leave if nearby. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. "I don’t see flames from my house. Do I really have to leave?"
YES. Wildfires move faster than you can run — up to 14 mph in grass with wind. By the time you see flames, roads may be blocked. Firefighters need clear roads to fight the fire. Leave now.
2. "Where do I take my horses/livestock?"
Spokane County Fairgrounds and private stables often open for large animals. Call SCRAPS (509-477-2532) or check the Spokane County Emergency Management Facebook page for current locations. Load them NOW.
3. "Will my insurance cover hotel/food costs if I evacuate?"
Most home/renters policies cover "Additional Living Expenses" (ALE) during mandatory evacuations. Save every receipt — hotels, meals, gas, pet boarding. Call your agent ASAP to start a claim.
4. "How will I know when it’s safe to go home?"
Only officials can lift evacuation orders. They’ll check:
- Fire is contained/controlled
- No hot spots near homes
- Power/gas/water restored
- Roads safe
Sign up for Alert Spokane to get the "All Clear" text directly.
5. "I have asthma/COPD. The smoke is bad even outside the zone. What do I do?"
- Stay indoors with windows/doors closed
- Run AC on "recirculate" with a clean filter
- Use a portable HEPA air cleaner if you have one
- Wear N95 mask if you must go out
- Call your doctor if breathing gets worse — don’t wait
Final Thought: Things can be replaced. You cannot.
If you’re told to go — GO.
Check on your neighbors. Help each other. Stay safe.
