Washington state is facing an extraordinary fire season fueled by extreme heat, drought, and strong winds. Fifteen major wildfires are raging across the state, with more than 250,000 acres, or over 1,000 square kilometers, burned. These blazes are part of a wider series of wildfires across the Western U.S. that have stretched the capabilities of federal, state, and local agencies.
In eastern Washington, three separate fires have devastated the Spokane area, including the Old Trails fire, which jumped the Spokane River to enter the city proper. Local officials have described the event as the worst natural disaster in Spokane's history. Since erupting on August 1, the fires in and around the city have scorched more than 8,000 acres and filled the sky with smoke and haze.
The disasters have forced between 60,000 and 65,000 people to evacuate their homes. Destruction is widespread, with reports indicating that up to 1,100 structures, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed, while another 400 structures have yet to be assessed. Returning residents found devastated neighborhoods where some homes were completely leveled, leaving only chimneys standing.
Firefighters have made progress against several of the blazes, and forecasts for light winds and lower temperatures are expected to provide assistance in containment efforts. Mayor Lisa Brown stated that crews are combing the city block by block, though residents have not yet been told when they can return home.