Autumn Lane Fire Remains a Threat to Spokane-Area Structures as Firefighters Battle Hot Spots

SPOKANE, Wash. — Firefighters battling the Autumn Lane Fire say the largest of three fires burning in the Spokane area remains a significant threat to structures, even as visible flames have subsided across much of the fire zone.

The danger stems from smoldering hot spots still holding heat deep within burned areas. Fire crews fear these areas could re-ignite when weather conditions change, particularly with warmer temperatures and stronger winds forecast to arrive this weekend.

The Painted Rock Trailhead, a popular outdoor destination, is now charred. At one point during the fire’s active phase, flames in this area reached heights of 40 to 60 feet.

Despite the absence of visible flames and a fire line drawn around the perimeter, firefighters remain vigilant about the risk of re-ignition.

“With the weather coming in, yes. Unfortunately, we could have new evacuation zones. We could have new fire starts. And again, this will be the first time that these fires have been tested by any wind. And again, we have a line around all of the fires. That’s a great thing,” said Nathan Jeffries, Assistant Chief of Spokane County Fire District 9.

The threat became real today when a new fire started within the Autumn Lane Fire evacuation zone. Crews responded quickly, and evacuations for that fire have since been downgraded.

To prevent re-ignition, firefighters are actively working in the burned areas using aggressive suppression techniques. Crews are digging out root systems that continue to carry fire and mixing up soil to release trapped heat. These efforts are designed to eliminate the conditions that could spark new flames when weather patterns shift this weekend.

The burned landscape presents another hazard beyond fire risk. Trees weakened and killed by the flames are now unstable and could fall into roadways. Such falling trees pose a potential danger to motorists and residents traveling through affected areas.

Fire officials say the coming weather will be the first real test of the fire lines established around all three fires burning in the region. While crews have made significant progress in containing the blazes, the combination of unstable conditions, smoldering hot spots and forecasted weather changes means residents and firefighters should remain alert in the coming days.