How a Police Scanner Got a Reporter to the Old Trails Fire First

A crime reporter in Spokane, Washington, was first on the scene of the devastating Old Trails fire in August 2026 — not because of a newsroom alert, but because she heard it crackling across her police scanner before any public notification went out. The story, which Alexandra Duggan of The Spokesman-Review told on CNN on August 3, 2026, is a textbook example of why scanner listeners have a critical head start when emergencies unfold. Duggan heard dispatch traffic and "knew that we were going into a difficult fire behavior day," she said, giving her time to mobilize before evacuation orders were even issued.

Reporter Heard It First on the Scanner

Alexandra Duggan, the Spokesman-Review's crime and public safety reporter, told CNN on August 3, 2026, that she was monitoring police and fire dispatch radio traffic when the first calls about the Old Trails fire came in near Airway Heights, Washington. Recognizing the severity, she headed to the scene immediately — arriving before the public had any formal evacuation alert. The Spokesman-Review later published a video series episode titled "Following The Fires: Alexandra Duggan On Being One of the First Reporters at the Old Trails Fire" on August 6, 2026 (source). Her scanner gave her a head start that no push notification or news wire could match.

The Old Trails Fire: By the Numbers

The Old Trails fire exploded into a massive complex that forced an estimated 65,000 families to evacuate, destroyed more than 700 homes, and burned over 250,000 acres with zero containment at its peak. It stands as one of the worst wildfires in Washington state's recent history. The fire's rapid escalation meant that every minute of advance notice mattered — and the scanner delivered that critical gap to those listening.

Why Scanner Listeners Have an Edge in Emergencies

Duggan's experience is not unique. Police and fire dispatch radio operates on unencrypted frequencies in many jurisdictions, meaning anyone with a capable receiver can hear the same calls that first responders hear. While the public often learns about incidents through delayed news reports or official emergency alerts, scanner listeners hear the raw dispatch — the initial call, the resource requests, the situation reports — as they happen. This is especially valuable during fast-moving natural disasters like wildfires, where conditions can change faster than official communication channels can keep up.

For journalists, preppers, and concerned citizens alike, a police scanner is not just a hobby tool — it's a situational awareness device that can provide minutes of critical lead time during emergencies.

How to Stay Informed When Every Second Counts

Listening to live dispatch doesn't require complicated equipment. A Baofeng UV-5R Plus Police Scanner ($65.49) is an affordable, pre-programmable handheld that can tune into VHF and UHF public safety frequencies used by fire and police departments across the country. Combined with services like RadioReference for frequency lookups, a properly programmed scanner puts real-time situational awareness in your hands — whether you're a journalist covering breaking news or a resident wanting to stay ahead of developing emergencies.

If you're new to scanning, check out our guide How to Find Local Police Scanner Frequencies for step-by-step instructions on getting started.

FAQ

How did the reporter get to the fire before the public alert?

Alexandra Duggan was monitoring her police scanner when she heard initial dispatch traffic about the Old Trails fire near Airway Heights. The scanner gave her real-time information before official emergency alerts were distributed to the public, allowing her to respond immediately.

Can I monitor police and fire dispatch where I live?

In many areas, yes. While encryption is growing, thousands of U.S. counties still broadcast dispatch on unencrypted P25 or analog frequencies. A programmable police scanner tuned to your local public safety frequencies can pick up fire, EMS, and law enforcement dispatch calls.

What equipment do I need to start scanning?

At minimum, a handheld police scanner like the Baofeng UV-5R series, a programming cable, and access to your local frequency list (RadioReference is the standard source). Many retailers, including PoliceRadio.org, sell pre-programmed scanners ready to use out of the box.

Is listening to police scanners legal?

Yes, in the United States, listening to unencrypted public safety radio transmissions is legal under federal law. Some states have restrictions on scanner use while driving or in furtherance of a crime, but general listening is protected.

How much advance notice can a scanner give during a wildfire?

It varies by incident, but scanner listeners often hear initial dispatch calls 10-30 minutes before official evacuation orders or public alerts are issued — enough time to make critical decisions about safety and preparation.

What happened with the Old Trails fire?

The Old Trails fire near Airway Heights, Washington, forced approximately 65,000 families to evacuate, destroyed over 700 homes, and burned more than 250,000 acres. It was one of the most destructive wildfires in the region's recent history. Reporter Alexandra Duggan covered the fire's impact for The Spokesman-Review and shared her firsthand account on CNN.

Bottom line: The Old Trails fire story is a powerful reminder that a police scanner isn't just for hobbyists — it's a practical early-warning tool that can make the difference between being caught off guard and staying ahead of a fast-moving emergency. Whether you're a journalist, a prepper, or someone who values real-time awareness, listening to local dispatch keeps you informed when every second counts.