Quick Read
- A fire destroyed the main concession stand at Avista Stadium early on September 5, 2025.
- Fire crews responded at 2:45 a.m. but transitioned to defensive tactics due to a collapsing metal roof.
- The stadium’s playing field and bleachers were spared, and no injuries were reported.
- Investigators are using drones to determine the cause of the blaze.
- The Spokane Indians plan to rebuild the stand for the 2026 season.
Early Friday morning, September 5, 2025, a massive fire broke out at Avista Stadium in Spokane Valley, Washington, causing significant damage to the facility’s main concession stand. Fire crews responded promptly to the scene at around 2:45 a.m. to find flames billowing through the structure’s roof. The building, which had been constructed in 2012, was declared a complete loss. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the concession stand, sparing the rest of the stadium.
**A Complete Loss: The Concession Stand’s Destruction**
The fire began in the early hours of Friday morning, with Spokane Valley Fire Department crews arriving swiftly to combat the blaze. According to Battalion Chief Sean Barrett, initial efforts to extinguish the fire from inside the building were halted after the metal roof collapsed, forcing crews to transition to a defensive approach. By 7 a.m., black smoke and flames were still visible, but the fire had been successfully contained to the concession stand. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and drones are expected to be used to aid in assessing the damage, as reported by Spokesman.
The concession stand, which was built as part of stadium renovations in 2012, served as a key component of the fan experience at Avista Stadium. Kyle Day, general manager of the Spokane Indians baseball team, expressed his gratitude to the firefighters for their efforts and noted that planning to rebuild the concession stand would begin immediately to prepare for the 2026 season. According to Firehouse, the fire did not impact the bleachers or the playing field, ensuring that the stadium remains functional for future events.
**Community Impact and Response**
The fire occurred during a critical time for the Spokane community, as the Spokane County Fair was also underway nearby. Although the fire caused temporary disruptions, including road closures, Havana Street was reopened by 8:30 a.m., minimizing the impact on fairgoers. The Spokane Indians organization issued a public statement on social media, thanking the firefighters for their hard work and dedication in containing the fire.
Spokane Valley Fire Department’s Assistant Chief Tom Williams confirmed that the stadium itself suffered no significant structural damage outside of the concession stand. This assessment has reassured the community that the stadium will remain a central hub for local events and entertainment in the coming months. As noted by Seattle Times, the stadium, built in 1958, is a cherished landmark for Spokane residents and home to the Spokane Indians, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with Major League Baseball.
**Next Steps: Investigation and Reconstruction**
Fire investigators are now focused on determining the cause of the blaze. Spokane Valley Fire has indicated that drones will be deployed to survey the damage and gather evidence. Meanwhile, the Spokane Indians’ management team has pledged to rebuild the concession stand in time for the next baseball season. The organization’s Senior Vice President, Otto Klein, emphasized the importance of moving forward and ensuring the stadium is ready to welcome fans once again.
This incident highlights the resilience of the Spokane community and the critical role first responders play in protecting public spaces. While the loss of the concession stand is significant, the quick actions of the fire department helped prevent further damage and preserved the stadium’s overall functionality.
The Avista Stadium fire serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of such events. However, the Spokane community’s swift response and commitment to recovery demonstrate its strength and unity during challenging times.

