Multiple wildfires burning near Spokane, Washington, have caused catastrophic damage, dangerous air quality, business disruptions and other economic impacts, with total damage and economic loss preliminarily estimated by AccuWeather experts at $4 billion to $6 billion, an estimate that includes significant long-term health impacts caused by wildfire smoke.
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AccuWeather expert meteorologists forecast Dangerous and Very Unhealthy air quality conditions will affect millions across much of Washington, Oregon and Idaho as graded by the AccuWeather Air Quality Scale. Heavy smoke spreading south and east is expected to contribute to Poor and Unhealthy air quality in other parts of the western United States. “When smoke settles across the Inland Northwest for days at a time, it can worsen breathing problems while disrupting outdoor work, school activities and everyday routines. The effects of a major wildfire can continue long after the flames are contained, because communities may face recurring periods of unhealthy air through the remainder of the fire season,” AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jon Porter explained. The Wildfires near Spokane, Washington left an estimated 60,000 people under evacuation orders, and destroyed over 700 homes, businesses and other structures. Between the destruction, hazardous air quality and disrupted businesses, AccuWeather experts estimate the total preliminary damage and economic loss at $4 billion to $6 billion as of August 4, 2026. This is a preliminary estimate and could increase as the fires continue. |
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