Authorities have ordered around 60,000 people to evacuate. Three fast-moving wildfires threaten Spokane and nearby areas in Washington state. Officials issued the directive by Sunday.
The fires have already destroyed at least 600 residences, businesses and other buildings. As of Sunday afternoon, authorities reported no fatalities or injuries. No one remains unaccounted for at this time.
Responders named the blazes the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire and the Autumn Lane Fire. Together they have burned 5,390 acres, or about 22 square kilometres. A federal incident management team confirmed the fires remain uncontained.
Officials placed extensive parts of Spokane and Spokane County under Level 3 evacuation orders. Residents must leave immediately. An emergency shelter now operates at the Spokane Convention Center. In addition, staff evacuated patients from the Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The fires also disrupted several public facilities and utility services.
Strong winds, high temperatures and very dry vegetation drove rapid growth on Saturday. Power outages spread across parts of the Spokane area. Avista Utilities reported that more than 10,000 customers currently lack electricity.
These three fires form part of a larger outbreak. Sixteen wildfires now burn across Washington and have consumed about 250,000 acres. The National Weather Service had warned of extremely critical fire weather conditions over the weekend.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the event as the worst natural disaster the region has faced. Officials continue to assess the full damage. They are still determining whether any lives were lost.
Governor Bob Ferguson spoke directly with President Trump and Secretary Mullin. He outlined the severe impact in Spokane and other parts of the state.
Scientists note that human-caused climate change raises the chance of warm, dry conditions. These conditions help wildfires spread more easily. They also increase the frequency of heatwaves and summer droughts.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Evacuation orders remain in effect for thousands of residents.