SPOKANE, Wash. — Tens of thousands of people evacuated their homes this weekend as wildfires spread across Spokane County, and many remain in shelters with no clear timeline for when they can return.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is managing expectations for evacuees still housed at facilities like the Spokane Convention Center. According to Sheriff John Nowels, the wait will be lengthy.
“I will say upfront to manage expectations…We are not going to be downgrading these zones in any large ways for many many more days to come,” Nowels said.
Fire crews are actively working to dig fire lines around each of the fires burning across Spokane County. Officials say they must be absolutely certain the fires are contained before allowing residents to return home.
The timing is particularly critical because another fire weather watch is expected this weekend, which could worsen conditions and increase fire activity. Nowels emphasized the ongoing danger.
“These areas are not safe right now…there is a high likelihood that if an ember does get into a fuel source that it will likely start another fire…and as conditions continue to deteriorate over the next few days there is a very high likelihood that those fires will move,” Nowels said.
For evacuees, the uncertainty extends beyond simply waiting. Many are grappling with emotional and practical challenges as they remain separated from their homes and possessions.
Erica Norris, an evacuee sheltering with her family, described the psychological toll of the situation. She said managing her own anxiety while reassuring her children has been one of her biggest battles.
“You are not only trying to keep yourself calm…you are trying to make sure that your children feel safe in a very unsafe time…to admit to my kids that their moms were scared was not easy to do…but it was the truth,” Norris said.
For some evacuees, the challenges are even more acute. Marceline Makuvachuma had to evacuate her home where she cares for multiple elderly and sick people. The rapid evacuation meant she could not bring critical medical supplies her patients depend on daily.
“My patients rely on oxygen…but because of the chaos it was we were not able to take that…and we were unable to take some of their sleeping tablets…and if they cannot sleep at night that means that me as a caregiver…I’m not going to sleep too…I have to be there for them and make sure that they are fine and in a good space,” Makuvachuma said.
Despite the uncertainty and hardship, some evacuees are finding ways to cope. Makuvachuma said she is focusing on what she can control in the moment rather than worrying about factors beyond her reach.
“Anything can happen at any time just brace for it… you cannot control everything in this world…you can just deal with what’s happening at the moment and take it one day at a time as it comes,” Makuvachuma said.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor fire conditions and will update evacuation status as conditions change. Residents are urged to monitor official channels for updates on when it will be safe to return home.
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