SPOKANE, Wash. – A Washington Geological Survey report said the 2026 Autumn Lane, Old Trails and Fairview fires left most burned terrain at relatively low risk for post-fire debris flows, but it warned that runoff, flooding and rockfall still could threaten homes, roads and utilities during major storms.
The report looked at areas burned by fires in Spokane and Stevens counties in August that scorched nearly 10,000 acres. WALERT field teams assessed the fire areas between August 31 and September 2.
According to the report, significant rain, rain-on-snow and rapid snowmelt could send runoff quickly into gullies and channels near residences, roads and other infrastructure. It also said even smaller runoff events could create dangerous conditions in some places…