Climate

Wildfires impact buildings and residents in Spokane, Washington

PBS · August 3, 2026Original source ↗

Wildfires impact buildings and residents in Spokane, Washington

What happened

Multiple wildfires began over the weekend in Washington state, particularly affecting areas around Spokane. As a result, hundreds of buildings have been destroyed and tens of thousands of residents have been displaced.

Why it matters

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by wildfires in populated areas.

Who feels this

If you rent your home

Renters in the affected areas may face immediate displacement due to the destruction of buildings. They could also experience difficulty finding temporary housing as demand increases.

If you own a home

Homeowners in Spokane may have lost their properties or face significant damage, leading to financial strain and the need for repairs or rebuilding. Those who are displaced will need to find alternative living arrangements.

If you are a small business owner

Small business owners in the area may suffer from reduced customer traffic due to evacuations and damage to local infrastructure. They may also face financial losses if their businesses are directly impacted by the wildfires.

What does this mean for YOU, specifically?

Ripple builds a profile of your life — your career, your city, your family — and tells you how each story hits it. The analysis above is generic; yours won't be.

Get your Ripple