Councilman Michael Cathcart

08/04/2026

I attended this morning’s collaborators meeting at Incident Command, which includes representatives from numerous agencies coordinating the response from every angle. Here are a few notes:

* North Autumn Fire: Good progress has been made strengthening fire lines. Crews are still detecting heat and isolated fire activity along the southern edge.
* Old Trails Fire: No significant growth has been reported. However, substantial heat and unburned fuel remain, so it continues to pose a threat to nearby areas.
* Fairview Fire: Crews have done a good job establishing containment lines. Additional heat has been detected on the southern end.
* Overall: Fire officials emphasized these fires are not yet secure. Spot fires and flare-ups should be expected.

Weather and Fire Conditions

* The initial explosive fire spread occurred during a 90th percentile wind event.
* Weather conditions have improved, but fuels remain exceptionally dry.
* Hotter and drier conditions are expected in the coming days.
* A cold front forecast for Friday could bring increased winds through the weekend, potentially lasting into Sunday.
* This year has seen record-low snowpack and a record-dry spring, leaving vegetation critically dry and highly susceptible to fire.
* Winds remain a concern because they can carry embers beyond containment lines, resulting in rapid new fire starts.
* Today’s Burning Index is in the 88th percentile and is expected to climb to the 99th percentile by Friday, meaning conditions will be more extreme than 99 percent of historical days.

Public Health and Recovery

* Smoldering debris around structures poses significant health risks. The danger is not only the fire itself, but also prolonged smoke exposure and other hazards.
* The Red Cross is developing plans for eventual reentry to ensure residents can return safely with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Mental health and spiritual care resources will also be available.
* Multiple shelters remain open, including facilities beyond the Spokane Convention Center.

Looking Ahead

* Incident commanders explained that every wildfire progresses through initial attack, extended attack, and eventually recovery.
* Officials emphasized they are cautiously balancing suppression efforts with planning for recovery while conditions remain unpredictable.

08/04/2026

This is really good news!

President Trump has approved our federal disaster request. We are now eligible to receive major assistance from federal government agencies like FEMA.

08/03/2026

There will be a press briefing at 10:30am this morning that should be carried live on the City Cable 5 Live stream for those who would like to stay up to speed. I’ll post a link to the briefing afterward for those who would like to watch later.

08/02/2026

A few notes from the electeds briefing and press conference that just concluded with local and state leaders providing updates on the fires and the ongoing emergency response. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HXHPPndPH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Mayor Lisa Brown shared that local agencies and community partners are coordinating resources to support those impacted by the devastation. She emphasized that the Spokane Convention Center is open for anyone needing a safe place to stay, and pets are welcome.

Governor Bob Ferguson shared that he has spoken with President Trump, who pledged his support. Requests are already underway for immediate federal assistance, with longer-term assistance requests also being prepared.

Senator Maria Cantwell and Congressman Michael Baumgartner emphasized that securing the necessary resources will be a bipartisan effort. Congressman Baumgartner also reported that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has pledged support.

County Commissioner Chris Jordan announced that the fairgrounds are open for those needing shelter for livestock. He also shared a message from Prosecutor Preston McCollum that there will be no tolerance for looting or anyone attempting to take advantage of residents during this emergency.

Avista CEO Heather Rosenthal reported that approximately 10,000 customers remain without power. Avista may bring in mutual-aid crews from utility companies across the state. Drones are being used to inspect power lines before service is safely restored.

Because of limited system capacity, particularly in West Spokane, additional outages remain possible during peak hours. Residents are encouraged to conserve electricity where possible.

Sheriff John Nowels asked residents to report missing loved ones through Crime Check. Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall said law enforcement is working closely with the National Guard to protect properties and respond to reports of looting.

Commissioner Josh Kerns strongly encouraged residents to be discerning about whom they hire for cleanup or recovery work. This is important both to prevent fraud and to ensure hazardous materials are handled and disposed of safely.

Spokane Fire Chief Tom Williams said firefighters have gained some control of the fire, but it is not yet considered contained. Weather conditions continue to present significant risks.

Please continue following evacuation orders, official alerts, and instructions from emergency personnel. The situation remains serious and can change quickly.

08/02/2026

Thank you to the Board of Spokane County Commissioners! I’ve just been told that Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has also issued a similar emergency declaration under her authority (subject to Council ratification) tonight. Thank you to both for taking quick action!