Wildfires Near Spokane Threaten Key Airports

Evacuations continue as unauthorized drone flights disrupt aerial firefighting.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, August 04, 2026 at 03:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Wildfires in Spokane, Washington, are north of three major airports and still growing and uncontained as of Tuesday. [Credit: SkyVector/FAA]

Key Takeaways:

Wildfires near Spokane, Washington, are impacting three major airports, leading to a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and the evacuation of approximately 67,000 people, including a limited evacuation for Fairchild AFB personnel.
Unauthorized drones are significantly hindering aerial firefighting operations by grounding aircraft due to safety concerns, with 26 incursions reported and potential $10,000 fines for TFR violations.
Smoke from the fires is causing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions across eastern Washington and has spread to major population centers like Seattle and Portland, severely reducing visibility.

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The wildfires burning in Spokane, Washington, are within a few miles of three major airports—Fairchild Air Force Base (KSKA), Spokane International (KGEG), and Felts Field (KSFF).

A weather briefing from Leidos Flight Service depicts the fire temporary flight restriction (TFT) a few miles to the north of the airports. The fires, which started on Saturday afternoon, have so far forced the evacuation of some 67,000 people.