BBC- Wildfires forced around 60,000 people to evacuate parts of Washington state, with Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown stating that the blazes have destroyed 600 structures and left thousands without power.
- Three major blazes continued to burn around Spokane and were not contained; no deaths or injuries have been confirmed.
- Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency and requested federal assistance after speaking to US President Donald Trump.
- Mayor Brown described the situation as "the worst natural disaster our region has faced" and emphasized the need for vigilance and assistance.
- The fires have destroyed around 600 buildings, including homes and businesses, and left more than 10,000 electricity customers without power, according to Avista Utilities.
- The National Weather Service warned of "extremely critical" fire weather over the weekend, with strong winds and unusually dry conditions helping the flames spread rapidly.
- The fires in and around Spokane burned about 8.2 square miles over the weekend, while about 390 square miles burned across Washington state.
- Officials reported no injuries or people unaccounted for but stressed it was early in the response; evacuees included patients from the U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital.
Wildfires in Spokane, Washington, have led to the evacuation of over 60,000 residents as three major blazes continue to burn, destroying approximately 600 structures and leaving 10,000 customers without power. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the situation as "the worst natural disaster our region has faced".12
The fires, which have consumed about 8.2 square miles (21 square kilometers), are part of a larger crisis affecting the state, where 390 square miles (1,000 square kilometers) have burned. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance, emphasizing the need for support as the fires remain uncontained.37
The National Weather Service warned of "extremely critical" fire weather conditions, with strong winds and dry conditions exacerbating the situation. Mayor Brown urged residents to remain vigilant and comply with evacuation orders, stating, "Although people are very generous and engaged... we need help in order to really meet the magnitude of the displacement".4
As authorities set up shelters, including one at the city’s convention center, officials reported no confirmed injuries or fatalities, but stressed the importance of ongoing assessments. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell warned, "We are not out of danger", as the region braces for continued dry weather and challenging conditions ahead.
“Mayor Lisa Brown called the fires “the worst natural disaster our region has faced,” saying authorities are still discussing the potential for lives to be lost. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and requested federal assistance after speaking to President Donald Trump, and Avista Utilities reported more than 10,000 customers without power.”
AP News
