SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane County courts have delayed most civil and criminal proceedings through Tuesday as the Spokane Area Fires continue to impact the region, but officials say the courts are not closed and the Spokane County Clerk's Office remains open.
Spokane County officials issued a clarification Monday after reports incorrectly stated that all Superior, District and Municipal courts were closed and that cases had been continued indefinitely.
According to Emergency Order No. 2026-01, the Spokane County Superior Court, Spokane County District Court and City of Spokane Municipal Court have continued most civil and criminal matters scheduled for Monday and Tuesday because of the wildfire emergency.
Court officials said that they will reassess conditions by 8 a.m. Tuesday and issue additional guidance if further delays are necessary.
Under the emergency order:
- All criminal and civil jury trials scheduled to begin between Aug. 3 and Aug. 7 have been postponed until Aug. 10 or later.
- Anyone summoned for jury duty between Aug. 3 and Aug. 7 is excused from service.
- Time between the emergency order and the next scheduled trial date will not count toward time-for-trial requirements.
- In-custody first appearances, including juvenile cases, will continue as scheduled.
- Involuntary Treatment Act hearings will continue as scheduled.
- Emergency ex parte matters, including civil protection orders and related requests, will continue to be heard.
Court officials said that the changes are necessary because of widespread evacuations, power outages and fire damage while allowing essential court functions to continue.
Meanwhile, the Spokane County Clerk's Office remains open during its normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spokane County officials said that they encourage customers to use the county's electronic filing system when possible. The Clerk's Office is also accepting questions by email at spococlerks@spokanecounty.gov and by phone at (509) 477-2211.
They also encourage residents to monitor Spokane County and City of Spokane court communications for additional updates as wildfire conditions change.