The day before, the National Weather Service put eastern Washington under a particularly dangerous situation warning, one step above a red flag and the first ever issued in the state. Three fires started in Spokane County on Saturday, just four hours apart. One has crossed the river into the city. 65,000 people are out of their homes. Five days on, nothing is contained. But it's not the first time. Just three years ago, a light on a utility pole started the Gray Fire in the same county. Along with the Oregon Road Fire, it took 710 structures and destroyed $166 million in property - a state record that still stands. The estimate for this one already runs as high as 1,100 structures damaged. The figures below are from the last fire, because it's the only one that has been counted. It's a guide to what this one will cost. Because this fire is still burning NOW.

1. $166 million was the last bill, and it still holds the state record

Assessed value destroyed, 2023 (Spokesman-Review)

2. $212,188,637 came from insurers. For 244 households it still ran out.

Gray and Oregon Road claims paid (WA Insurance Commissioner)

3. Two-thirds were underinsured. Then a third of them lost coverage.

Post-fire policy status (WA Insurance Commissioner)

4. $936,000 is what the utility owes. Three years on, it has paid nothing.

DNR cost recovery suit, filed 2024 (Spokesman-Review)