The wildfires burning in Spokane, Washington, are within a few miles of three major airports—Fairchild Air Force Base (KSKA), Spokane International (KGEG), and Felts Field (KSFF).
A weather briefing from Leidos Flight Service depicts the fire temporary flight restriction (TFT) a few miles to the north of the airports. The fires, which started on Saturday afternoon, have so far forced the evacuation of some 67,000 people.
The commander of the 92nd Air Force Refueling Wing has ordered a limited evacuation of personnel and dependents at Fairchild AFB. The base is not being evacuated, but some people living off base have been forced out by fire.
- READ MORE: How to Become an Airport Firefighter
- READ MORE: 11 Survive After Kenmore Air Floatplane Crashes in Washington State
According to a media release from the unit’s public affairs office, the order applies to all military members, tenant organizations, Department of the Air Force civilian employees, and their families residing in designated Level 3 evacuation zones as well as dependents of service members currently deployed. There is some lodging available on base for displaced persons.
“The safety and well-being of our airmen, civilian employees, and their families is our absolute highest priority during this crisis,” said wing commander Colonel Brian Epperson in a statement. “We are mobilizing every resource available on the installation to ensure our displaced personnel have safe lodging, immediate support, and clear guidance as we navigate this emergency together.”
The Air Force order directs eligible individuals to evacuate threatened areas and provides access to government-funded travel and lodging reimbursement. Personnel who previously followed wing leadership direction and evacuated in compliance with local authorities on or after Saturday are covered retroactively.
All impacted personnel must immediately notify their supervisor or chain of command of their evacuation status and physical location to maintain unit accountability.
Fire officials are reporting that unauthorized drones have grounded some of the firefighting aircraft. When drones are up, the fire tankers, water scoopers, and helicopters do not fly as a safety precaution as a midair collision could prove deadly.
On Sunday there were a reported 26 drone incursions. Unauthorized flight in a TFR is illegal, and drone operators who do face a fine of $10,000.
The majority of the airports on the eastern side of Washington state report IFR conditions due to smoke. The winds are blowing from the east, which has brought the smoke over the Cascade Range and into the Seattle-Tacoma, Washington-Portland, Oregon, area, dropping visibility to low IFR in many places.
