National Guard, police and sheriff say they are safeguarding Spokane neighborhoods

State and local public-safety leaders described a coordinated security posture to protect evacuated properties and maintain order.

Major General Welsh, the state's adjutant general, said the National Guard stepped in to help public safety and traffic control: "Every 1 of those national guard members is a volunteer, and every 1 of those national guard members is here to assist you and is here to assist the Spokane law enforcement community." He emphasized the Guard's role is to support first responders and protect public safety.

Sheriff Knowles said there were no reported injuries or deaths to 911 or Crime Check at the time of the briefing and cautioned that that could change as investigators complete scene work. Police Chief Kevin Hall said investigators had reviewed reports of planned thefts and found no credibility to those claims; he described use of officers, deputies and more than 100 National Guard members to help safeguard neighborhoods while residents are displaced.

County officials also said they declared an emergency to allow emergency management and the sheriff's office to operate with maximum speed. Officials urged residents to report concerns but to rely on official channels rather than social-media rumors.