Image Source: KREM
Spokane & Stevens counties wildfires continue to create concern across the region, with residents in Spokane’s Five Mile Prairie neighborhood still unable to return home three days after the Old Trails Fire prompted evacuations.
Although many homes along Five Mile Road are still standing, authorities say the area remains dangerous. Grass continues to smolder, and firefighters warn that hot spots and airborne embers could quickly ignite another fire.
Critical Spokane & Stevens Counties Wildfires Updates
According to KXLY, Spokane County Fire District 9 crews stopped the Old Trails Fire from crossing Five Mile Road. Firefighters lined up along the sidewalk near the road and worked to prevent flames from reaching homes on the opposite side of the prairie.
Crews said the consequences could have been severe if the fire had crossed the open grassland. A single burning structure could have triggered a rapid, house-to-house ignition event in the neighborhood.
Homes near Heath, Parkway and Jillian remained standing after the fire burned a significant portion of the prairie. However, the Spokane County Fire District confirmed that some homes west of the prairie, near Jodi and Lincoln, were destroyed.
The situation remains fluid as firefighters continue checking for hot spots and authorities assess damage. Residents are being asked to stay away while crews work to secure the area.
Residents Face Emotional Evacuation Wait
Police and the National Guard have blocked multiple roads around the evacuation perimeter. Cars are not currently being allowed through the roadblocks, leaving many residents waiting for official word about their properties.
Some evacuated residents have parked near the barricades and walked toward the neighborhood in an effort to see whether their homes survived. Officials say those efforts are dangerous because fire conditions have not been fully stabilized.
The evacuation has also raised concerns about traffic management. Several residents said only one lane was open Saturday as people attempted to leave the neighborhood while flames moved behind them.
Tara Jackson, who lives in the area, described the escape as chaotic. She said residents were traveling in different directions before receiving instructions to go east, creating gridlock on roads leading down the hill.
“Everyone was trying to come down the hill here,” Jackson said. “Some people were going this way, some people were going that way. And then we got an update saying, ‘GO EASTWARD.’ We were going down Lincoln. The fire was coming up behind us, and we were stuck in gridlock.”
Jackson also described the painful decisions families faced while evacuating. With little time to gather belongings, she said she focused on taking photographs of her children and letters they had written.
“When it comes down to it, what do you grab?” Jackson said. “It was pictures of my kids or letters that they wrote because nothing else really matters.”
What Residents Should Know About Evacuations
For people affected by the Spokane & Stevens counties wildfires, officials continue to emphasize caution and patience. Residents should follow evacuation instructions, avoid blocked roads and rely on official emergency updates before attempting to return.
- Do not bypass barricades or enter restricted areas.
- Watch for changing evacuation levels and emergency alerts.
- Expect smoke, ash, falling debris and hidden hot spots near burned areas.
- Keep roads clear so fire engines and emergency crews can move quickly.
- Contact local authorities for information about reentry procedures and property access.
Even when flames are no longer visible, wildfire dangers can remain underground or in areas of dense vegetation. Smoldering roots, dry grass and windblown embers can reignite unexpectedly.
Stevens County Crews Report Progress
A separate update from Stevens County also pointed to progress in the region’s ongoing wildfire response. Fire crews reported solid progress on the western portion of the Autumn Lane Fire, according to the latest information listed by KXLY.
Details about the Stevens County fire response remained limited in the available report, but the update reflects the continuing work by firefighters across Eastern Washington. Crews in both counties are contending with dry fuels, challenging terrain and the possibility of renewed fire activity.
The Old Trails Fire has already damaged homes and disrupted daily life for families across Five Mile Prairie. While the survival of many homes offers some relief, residents remain in a tense waiting period until officials determine that the neighborhood is safe.
Authorities have not announced when all residents will be allowed to return. Until then, evacuation restrictions remain in place, and emergency personnel will continue monitoring the fire perimeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homes on Five Mile Road still standing?
Many homes near Heath, Parkway and Jillian remained standing after crews stopped the fire from crossing Five Mile Road. Some homes near Jodi and Lincoln were destroyed.
Why can’t residents return home yet?
Firefighters say grass is still smoldering and embers could ignite new fires. Officials are keeping the area restricted until conditions are safer.
Who is blocking access to the neighborhood?
Police and the National Guard are blocking roads around the evacuation perimeter. Cars are not currently allowed through the roadblocks.
What is the latest update from Stevens County?
Fire crews reported solid progress on the western portion of the Autumn Lane Fire. Additional details were not provided in the available update.
