Spokane Daily Briefing: PFAS Orders, Valley Fire Response, Political Shake-Up
Spokane, WA – February 18, 2026 – PFAS cleanup orders, a Spokane Valley shop fire, and a key legislative seat opening top today’s local headlines.
PFAS-contaminated West Plains wells prompt state action
State environmental regulators have ordered Spokane County and the City of Spokane to move quickly to protect West Plains residents whose private wells are contaminated with PFAS ‘forever chemicals.’ Local governments must submit a plan within days outlining how they will provide bottled water and install filtration systems for homes and businesses where testing shows unsafe levels.
The contaminated area stretches from near Spokane International Airport toward Spokane Falls Community College. Officials jointly responsible for the airport are working with the state on next steps, but there is not yet a firm cost estimate or full count of affected properties. Community advocates say the order is overdue relief for neighbors who have lived with years of uncertainty about their drinking water.
The PFAS issue adds urgency to ongoing regional discussions about long term water quality protections and potential cleanup funding. Residents in the West Plains are being encouraged to stay tuned for details on how to confirm eligibility for bottled water and treatment equipment once the local plan is approved.
Firefighters quickly knock down Spokane Valley shop fire
Multiple crews from the Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a shop fire in the 4700 block of North Barker Road on Monday afternoon. The small shop structure produced visible smoke, but firefighters were able to contain the flames within minutes of arriving on scene.
Officials say access to the building was the biggest challenge, but the fire was held to the exterior of the shop and there was no significant structural damage. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and drivers were asked to avoid the area for a time while crews worked.
The quick stop is the latest example of the department emphasizing fast response and prevention. The fire also serves as a reminder for rural and edge of city property owners to review access routes, address markers and defensible space around outbuildings before spring fire season.
Spokane legislative seat to open as Jenny Graham steps aside
A major change is coming for Spokane’s representation in Olympia. State Rep. Jenny Graham has announced she will not seek re election in the 6th Legislative District, which includes portions of Spokane, Airway Heights and Medical Lake.
Graham, first elected in 2018, said the decision was difficult but called serving the district an honor. Her announcement immediately reshaped the race: former Spokane City Council member Jonathan Bingle has already launched a campaign for the open House seat, praising Graham’s tenure and positioning himself as a consistent conservative voice for the region.
The open seat is expected to draw close attention this year, given the district’s mix of suburban and semi rural voters and ongoing debates over taxes, public safety and infrastructure. More candidates could emerge as the filing period approaches, setting up a lively primary season for West Spokane and the West Plains.
Light snow chances linger as winter system passes through
After a busy winter storm system moved across the broader Inland Northwest, Spokane is looking at seasonable February conditions with clouds, chilly temperatures and the chance for spotty snow showers. Forecasts show highs in the 30s and low 40s over the next couple of days, with overnight lows dipping below freezing.
Drivers should continue to watch for slick spots in the mornings and on shaded side streets, especially in neighborhoods that still have compact snow and ice. The gradual warm up later in the week should help road conditions, but melting and refreezing will remain an issue on sidewalks and parking lots.
Sources
- https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/feb/12/ecology-orders-spokane-city-and-county-to-provide-/
- https://www.khq.com/news/firefighters-quickly-contain-shop-fire-on-n-barker-rd-in-spokane-valley/article_416e8d7f-2844-43a4-b0ef-15fedacd7db0.html
- https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/feb/16/spokane-valley-rep-jenny-graham-will-not-run-for-r/
- https://www.almanac.com/weather/forecast/WA/Spokane
