Upriver Fire Grows to 250 Acres: Evacuations Underway, Community Resources Available

Good morning, this is your Spokane Local Frequency for 2026-06-17. We start today on the east side of town, where the Upriver Fire continues to dominate the local conversation. Fire officials say the blaze has grown to roughly 250 acres with zero percent containment so far, and it remains a very active incident. Evacuation levels are in place for thousands of residents in the upriver area near Camp Sekani Park and Beacon Hill, and crews confirm that some homes and other structures have been lost, though they do not yet have an exact count. The message from the fire lines this morning is clear: if you have been asked to leave, stay out of the area so firefighters and air resources can work safely. Roughly 300 personnel and more than 60 pieces of equipment are assigned to this fire, and they are planning to remain on scene for several days as they try to get a handle on the flames and secure the perimeter. Officials are especially concerned about gusty winds later in the day, which could push the fire or cause flare-ups and spot fires. The good news so far: no confirmed injuries have been reported, and the regional response is fully mobilized. For anyone displaced by the Upriver Fire, shelters are open, including one at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church on North Raymond Road, offering a place to rest, connect with resources, and get information about when it may be safe to return home. If you have friends or family in the evacuation zones, this is a good morning to check in and see if they need a place to stay, help with pets, or a hand gathering essentials. The fire danger is also prompting some preventive steps elsewhere in the city. Avista has announced targeted power shutoffs in higher-risk areas like parts of Indian Trail to reduce the chance that power lines could spark new fires in these dry and breezy conditions. If you live in those neighborhoods, charge your devices, keep flashlights handy, and treat intersections with dark signals as four-way stops. For those looking for a mental break today, downtown Spokane and the riverfront remain open for business. Morning is a great time for a walk or bike ride along the Centennial Trail while the air is clearer and temperatures are still comfortable, and local coffee shops are already buzzing with neighbors trading updates and offering help to evacuees. Supporting local businesses today also supports workers and families who may be affected by the fires. As the day goes on, keep an eye on local alerts, be ready to adjust outdoor plans if smoke moves in, and consider checking in on vulnerable neighbors who may struggle with air quality or power outages. This has been Spokane Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta