According to a new Guy Carpenter report, three major wildfires in Spokane County near Spokane, Washington, have collectively burned 7,000 acres, destroyed more than 700 structures, remain 0% contained, and are expected to continue spreading under favourable conditions, particularly later this week.
All three fires were discovered on Saturday, August 1, a day when Spokane was under Critical fire weather conditions, which is the second-most-severe fire weather rating, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center (SPC).
Concurrently, adjacent areas of Eastern Washington were reportedly under Extremely Critical fire weather conditions on Sunday, SPC’s highest fire weather severity rating.
As per various outlets, authorities on Monday arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire in eastern Washington, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. He is being held on $1 million bond.
“Media reports indicate that as of Sunday, 600-700 structures have been destroyed by the fires, although it was unknown how many were primary residences or businesses. On Sunday, Spokane County officials reported zero fatalities or injuries due to the fire, while an estimated 60,000 people have been evacuated,” Guy Carpenter observed.
Marsh’s reinsurance broking firm added in its report that evacuations remain in effect as suppression efforts continue, with damage assessments ongoing and insured losses dependent on final structure impacts and containment progress.
Guy Carpenter continued, “Above-normal significant wildfire potential persists across much of the West, with additional hotspots in the southern Plains and Florida during August.
“Persistent drought, critically dry fuels, and periods of hot, windy weather will continue to support elevated wildfire activity.
“The greatest risk of large, impactful fires remains concentrated in the wildland-urban interface, where exposure to people and property is highest.”
