SPOKANE, Wash. — Fast-moving wildfires forced the evacuation of about 60,000 people in and around Spokane, Washington, as firefighters battled multiple uncontained blazes that have destroyed roughly 600 structures, local officials said on Monday.
The fires, collectively known as the Spokane Area Fire, have burned about 5,390 acres (2,180 hectares) and remain uncontained, according to fire authorities. Officials said homes, businesses and other buildings were among the structures lost, while mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect across several communities.
Fire Chief Tom Williams said the fires continued to threaten populated areas as crews worked to slow their advance under difficult conditions. Authorities reported no fatalities or injuries as of Monday, though they cautioned that damage assessments were ongoing.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency as wildfires burned across multiple parts of the state. Ferguson said he had spoken with President Donald Trump and requested federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the fires as the most severe natural disaster the region has experienced. Approximately 10,000 utility customers remained without electricity after fire damage affected power infrastructure, according to Avista Utilities Chief Executive Heather Rosentrader.
Emergency officials said hundreds of displaced residents were being sheltered at the Spokane Convention Center, while hospitals and other critical facilities implemented contingency plans, including the evacuation of patients from a Veterans Affairs hospital.
The National Weather Service warned that dry conditions and strong winds continued to create dangerous fire weather across eastern Washington, complicating firefighting efforts and raising the risk of additional fire growth.
Authorities said evacuation orders and firefighting operations remained in effect, and the situation continued to evolve as crews assessed damage and worked to contain the fires.
