A fast-growing brush fire near East Bigelow Gulch Road in Spokane County, Washington, has prompted emergency evacuation orders as firefighters work to contain the blaze and protect nearby residents and properties.
The fire, which was initially reported at approximately 12 acres, later grew to around 50 acres as crews continued battling the flames in dry conditions.
Level 3 Evacuation Orders Issued
Authorities have issued Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders for residents in areas surrounding the fire.
The evacuation zone extends:
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North to Pleasant Prairie
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South to Bigelow Gulch
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West to Lehman
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East to Progress
Residents in the affected area have been urged to leave immediately and not delay evacuation.
A broader Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation area has also been established for surrounding locations, including areas extending north to Moffat, south to Pleasant Prairie, west to Argonne, and east to Forker.
People in Level 2 areas are being urged to prepare for the possibility of leaving if conditions worsen.
Bigelow Gulch Fire Grows Near Spokane
The brush fire is burning near East Bigelow Gulch Road as firefighters work to slow its spread.
Dry vegetation and summer conditions are creating challenges for emergency crews, with fire behavior capable of changing quickly depending on wind and other weather conditions.
Firefighters are working to establish control lines and prevent the flames from spreading toward nearby homes, roads, and other properties.
Emergency Crews Battle Growing Brush Fire
A significant emergency response is underway as firefighting crews work to contain the blaze.
Personnel are focusing on suppressing active fire, protecting structures, and monitoring the fire perimeter.
The size of the fire has increased since the initial report, highlighting the rapidly changing conditions facing firefighters in the area.
Residents are being urged to stay away from the fire zone and avoid interfering with emergency operations.
Spokane Residents Urged to Follow Evacuation Orders
Anyone under a Level 3 evacuation order should leave immediately.
Residents should take essential medications, important documents, pets, and other necessary items if they can do so safely and without delaying their departure.
Those in areas under Level 2 evacuation status should remain prepared to leave quickly if evacuation orders expand.
Motorists should also expect possible traffic restrictions and delays as emergency crews use local roads to access the fire and manage evacuations.
Fire Investigation Underway
The cause of the Bigelow Gulch fire had not been confirmed in the latest available information.
Investigators are expected to examine the area once conditions allow them to safely determine how the fire started.
Additional information regarding the cause, containment progress, property damage, and evacuation status may be released as the firefighting response continues.
Latest Bigelow Gulch Fire Update
The fire near East Bigelow Gulch Road remains an active emergency as firefighters work to control the growing brush fire.
With Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders in place for affected areas, residents are urged to follow all official emergency instructions and leave immediately if ordered to do so.
The situation remains fluid, and evacuation boundaries, fire size, road closures, and other emergency measures may change as conditions develop.
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary information available at the time of publication. Details concerning the Bigelow Gulch fire, evacuation orders, fire size, containment, injuries, property damage, road closures, and the ongoing emergency response may change as additional verified information becomes available.