Spokane Fire Victims List Damaged Property for Sale

After losing their home in the Old Trails Fire, one local couple is choosing to sell their land rather than rebuild.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Residential

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a desolate hillside silhouette, evoking the quiet aftermath of property loss and displacement. — Alan and Linda Basham have listed their Spokane property for sale after the Old Trails Fire destroyed their home of 13 years. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

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

After their home near Rifle Club Road was destroyed in the Old Trails Fire, Alan Basham, 78, and his wife, 70, have listed their property for sale rather than rebuilding. The couple, who had lived in the Spokane home for 13 years, is currently staying in a rental duplex while they consider their future.

Why it matters

The couple decided to sell instead of rebuilding because they lack the time required for construction and feel that their local community and personal connection to the site have fundamentally changed. This choice highlights the difficult post-disaster decisions homeowners face when assessing the feasibility of starting over after a total loss.

Alan and his wife are selling their property following the destruction caused by the Old Trails Fire. The couple, who lived at the Rifle Club Road location for 13 years, is currently residing in a rental unit.

The players

Alan Basham

A 78-year-old homeowner whose Spokane property was destroyed by the Old Trails Fire.

The details

The couple chose to list their land for sale because they do not believe they have the time or energy to manage the reconstruction process. After escaping the Old Trails Fire, they concluded that their attachment to the property had been altered, prompting their decision to search for a new permanent residence elsewhere.

Summer 2026: The couple evacuated their home during the Old Trails Fire.

The Home Front

The couple’s decision reflects the broader post-wildfire residential rebuilding rate trends from the FEMA Disaster Recovery Guide. It marks a departure from typical long-term residency patterns as many older homeowners increasingly prioritize relocation over the complexities of property reconstruction.

Homeowners who have experienced fire damage should consult with a licensed real estate professional to understand the current market value of their land and debris-cleared property. It is also essential to review insurance settlement documents and consult with a tax professional before finalizing any sale.

The takeaway

The choice to sell a destroyed property is a deeply personal one that requires weighing long-term housing goals against the realities of a changing neighborhood. Homeowners in similar positions should focus on documenting all property losses and identifying a trusted local real estate agent early in the process.