06/16/2026
One summer night in 1889 changed a city forever—and it’s a story worth keeping for your next campfire.
On the evening of August 4, 1889, a fire broke out in Spokane Falls (now Spokane, WA). Wind pushed it fast, and when the water system failed and hydrants ran dry, firefighters even resorted to dynamiting buildings to create firebreaks.
By the time it burned out, the blaze had wiped out virtually the entire downtown commercial core—more than 30 city blocks.
What came next is why the story still matters today: leaders tightened building codes and pushed fire-resistant construction, sparking an early-1890s rebuilding boom. Many of the brick-and-stone buildings along Main Avenue—with arched windows, stone details, and ornate cornices—stand as a reminder of how quickly a community can rebuild, smarter and stronger.
If you love the “why” behind historic downtowns, bring this along to Junction West Durango Riverside Resort—then spend your days exploring the Durango area and your evenings unwinding riverside.
What’s the most memorable historic main street you’ve ever walked (and what made it stick with you)? Save this story for your next campfire conversation during your stay at Junction West Durango Riverside Resort.