“There is not a fire department in the U.S. that can handle a wind-driven event this size,” said Spokane Assistant Fire Chief Lance Dahl

“There is not a fire department in the U.S. that can handle a wind-driven event this size,” said Spokane Assistant Fire Chief Lance Dahl to the Spokane Spokesman-Review.

The Spokane Complex wildfire destroyed more than 600 structures, with preliminary estimates suggesting the number could be higher, and forced over 60,000 evacuations. Wildland fire veterans and officials are raising alarms about firefighter safety amid aggressive suppression tactics ordered by the Trump administration and extreme fire conditions.

Federal agencies mandated a “full suppression” strategy this fire season, aiming for rapid containment. This approach, seen by some veterans as a revival of the old “10 a.m.” policy, has coincided with dangerous incidents, including the deaths of four federal firefighters in Colorado. The Spokane Complex, consisting of three fires burning over 10,000 acres, overwhelmed firefighting resources with roughly 900 personnel engaged locally and about 5,000 statewide. Officials have conducted at least one safety standdown following a close call involving firefighters. A 37-year-old suspect has been arrested for arson related to one of the fires. FEMA is expected to provide assistance that could include search and rescue, debris removal, and shelter.

Firefighters continue battling the Spokane fires, with damage assessments and evacuations expected to persist for weeks.

Wildfire veterans fear tactics, extreme fires put crews at risk
By The Missoula Current News – Daily News in Missoula Montana