- Wildfires forced about 60,000 people to evacuate in Spokane
- The fires destroyed around 600 homes and businesses
- Washington declared a state of emergency as crews battled the blazes
Wildfires have forced the evacuation of about 60,000 residents as flames continue to threaten the city of Spokane in Washington State, with hundreds of homes and businesses already destroyed.
The Spokane Area Fire, made up of three separate wildfires, is advancing toward communities covered by mandatory evacuation orders, according to Spokane Fire Chief Tom Williams, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
Officials said the fires had scorched about 5,390 acres (2,180 hectares) by Sunday, while emergency crews continued efforts to contain the blaze. At the time of reporting, the fires remained uncontained.
Authorities disclosed that approximately 600 structures, including residential and commercial buildings, had been destroyed by the fast-moving fires.
Despite the extensive damage, officials confirmed during a Sunday briefing that no deaths or injuries had been recorded.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the disaster as the most severe natural emergency the region has ever experienced.
The wildfires also disrupted electricity supply, leaving around 10,000 customers without power, according to Avista Utilities CEO Heather Rosentrader.
Across Washington State, officials said more than 250,000 acres (about 101,171 hectares) are currently burning in multiple wildfire outbreaks.
Governor Bob Ferguson announced that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump to request support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the state battles the crisis. He has also declared a statewide emergency to strengthen response efforts.
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