A significant fire in Spokane, Washington, has resulted in the destruction of 12 homes and prompted numerous evacuations in the surrounding area. Authorities later found what could potentially be human remains in a house where one resident had not followed evacuation orders.
The incident, known as the “upstream fire,” began on June 16, burning over 200 acres and leading to numerous Level 3 evacuation alerts, particularly around Upriver Drive on the north side of the Spokane River.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, investigators discovered possible human remains when they returned to one of the affected homes.
On the evening of June 16, family members of a resident, who hadn’t been reachable and had ignored evacuation alerts, went to check on him.
When officials arrived, they found the home had been engulfed in flames.
The following day, June 17, detectives, alongside fire investigators and forensic teams, went back and identified what appeared to be human remains, as stated by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
Governor Bob Ferguson expressed condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to the families of those presumed dead in the Upstream Fire. This has been a tragic event for our community. We are grateful for the first responders who worked to evacuate many people and contain the fire,” he posted on Facebook.
Officers from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office were near the home before it was destroyed, after another nearby residence had already caught fire.
With other structures and vegetation burning close by, deputies quickly evacuated the neighborhood, going door-to-door urging residents to leave right away.
Despite their efforts, when they got no response, firefighters entered the home after finding the front door unlocked, emphasizing the need for urgent evacuation. But there was still no reply.
Before long, they had to evacuate themselves as the fire was closing in.
Currently, a coordinated response involving local and state fire departments, including engines and aircraft, is in progress as firefighters work to extinguish the wildfires and safeguard neighborhoods in Spokane County.
As of Thursday morning, the fire had extended to 217 acres and was reported to be 10% contained, according to fire information for Northeast Washington.
