Hundreds of homes and other buildings have been destroyed after fast-moving Spokane wildfires swept through the northwestern US city of Spokane in Washington state, forcing thousands of residents to flee.
According to Channels Television, citing AFP, firefighters continued battling three major blazes early Monday, with fire officials confirming the fires remained zero per cent contained.
The fires broke out over the weekend in and around Spokane as strong winds and exceptionally dry conditions fuelled rapid fire spread. The US National Weather Service had earlier warned of “extremely critical fire weather conditions” across the region.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said hundreds of homes and structures had been lost, while authorities continued assessing the damage and determining whether there had been any fatalities.
“We are still assessing the potential for lives to be lost,” Brown said, adding that support would continue for affected communities over the long term.
Spokane resident Geoff Beadles described the devastation after evacuating with his fiancée and two dogs, saying the destruction was among the most heartbreaking scenes he had ever witnessed.
Officials said no deaths or injuries had been confirmed as of Sunday, although Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels cautioned that this could change as investigators gain access to active fire zones.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency, saying the state is experiencing its fourth consecutive year of drought, with climate change contributing to conditions that have intensified wildfire risks. He also confirmed discussions with federal officials, including President Donald Trump, about additional emergency resources.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources said the Spokane blazes were among 15 major wildfires burning across the state, describing the current situation as an “extraordinary wildfire season” in the Pacific Northwest.
The largest blaze, known as the Old Trails Fire, crossed the Spokane River and entered the city on Saturday. Authorities issued the highest evacuation order, “Go Now”, for several northern neighbourhoods, while emergency shelters were opened at the Spokane Convention Center.
By Sunday morning, the three fires had scorched about 5,390 acres (2,181 hectares). Officials also warned that smoke would likely push air quality into the “very unhealthy” category and urged the public to avoid unauthorised drone flights, which have disrupted aerial firefighting operations.
