Dry conditions, drought, abundant dried vegetation and powerful winds combined to create ideal conditions for the fast-moving Spokane wildfires. combined to create ideal conditions for the fast-moving Spokane wildfires. By Mojtaba Sadegh, Boise State University; United Nations University and John Abatzoglou, University of California, MercedWhy the Spokane wildfires became so catastrophicThree large wildfires raced through neighborhoods in and around Spokane, Washington, the weekend of August 1, 2026. The fast spread of the Spokane fires, collectively known as the Spokane Complex Fire, resulted from a convergence of compounding factors. Bottom line: Spokane wildfires show wildfire risk is growing, but preparedness, resilient communities and smarter land management can reduce future losses.