Human remains were found inside a home destroyed by the Upriver Fire in Spokane County, authorities said, as crews continue working to contain the blaze and assess damage.
The investigation began after a family member requested a welfare check Tuesday evening for a resident who had not evacuated. Deputies who responded found the home already destroyed by fire and were unable to conduct a search due to dangerous conditions.
Authorities later confirmed the individual had refused to leave despite receiving a Level 3 evacuation notice—the highest alert level—and was believed to still be inside the home. Earlier that same day, deputies and Spokane police officers had returned to the property during rapidly worsening fire conditions. They knocked, entered the unlocked home, and repeatedly called out for anyone inside, but received no response before being forced to evacuate as flames spread nearby.
12 primary structures have been confirmed destroyed, and damage assessments are ongoing as officials work to verify the full extent of losses.
Two Type 1 helicopters continue to assist ground crews, while additional state resources and personnel have been deployed to support fire suppression and patrol efforts.
Evacuation orders remain in place for communities near the fire perimeter. Level 3 “go now” evacuations continue for the most threatened areas, while some residents under Level 2 advisories may return home but are urged to be ready to leave again if conditions change. An evacuation center has been established at Spokane Valley Methodist Church.
Fire officials continue to urge residents to follow evacuation guidance and avoid actions, such as unauthorized drone use, that could interfere with firefighting operations.