Spokane Couple Lists Fire-Damaged Property for Sale

Alan and his wife are selling their land after the Old Trails Fire destroyed their long-time home.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Residential

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a solitary building foundation on a hillside, evoking the quiet transition of land after a fire. — Alan and his wife have listed their fire-damaged Spokane property for sale after deciding against rebuilding their home following the 2026 fire. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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After a disaster, is it better to rebuild your home or sell and relocate elsewhere?

After losing their residence to the Old Trails Fire, Alan Basham and his wife have listed their property near Rifle Club Road for sale. The couple, aged 78 and 70, are currently renting a duplex while they consider their future living arrangements.

Why it matters

The decision to sell rather than rebuild stems from concerns about the time required for reconstruction and the emotional shift in their former neighborhood. The couple is now waiting for a fair offer to finalize the sale of the land where they lived for 13 years.

Alan Basham is 78 years old and his wife is 70 years old. They had resided on their property near Rifle Club Road for 13 years prior to the destruction caused by the fire.

The players

Alan Basham

He is a 78-year-old resident of Spokane who is selling his land after his home was lost to fire.

The details

Following the destruction of their home in the summer of 2026, the couple opted against rebuilding the structure. They are currently renting a duplex in Spokane while they seek a buyer for the empty lot.

The couple evacuated their home during the Old Trails Fire in the summer of 2026.

Culture Shift

This decision follows the broader trend of post-wildfire managed retreat, where homeowners elect to leave fire-prone areas instead of rebuilding. It reflects a shift in how residents prioritize long-term stability over the attachment to property damaged by extreme climate events.

For local residents, this move highlights the practical challenges of clearing and selling fire-ravaged land in the current Spokane market. It serves as an example for others weighing the high cost and time investment of rebuilding against the logistics of selling a vacant lot.

The takeaway

Homeowners who have experienced total loss often face the difficult choice between rebuilding and starting over in a new location. Assessing the timeline of construction and the changing nature of a neighborhood is a critical step before making a final property decision.