Wildfires force evacuations in eastern Washington, dozens of structures lost

Fast-moving wildfires driven by strong winds and high temperatures have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents in eastern Washington. The Old Trails Fire, which ignited around noon on Saturday, has destroyed roughly 600 homes, businesses and other structures. Two additional blazes, the Fairview Fire and the Autumn Lane Fire (which now includes the former Meadowview Fire), are also burning in the Spokane area, prompting state-wide air-quality warnings.

Around 8.2 square miles of terrain near Spokane, the state’s second-largest city, have been burned. Orange and red flames were visible from the highway as motorists stopped and residents fled. No fatalities have been reported.

"We urge residents of Spokane to heed evacuation orders and to stay alert to changing conditions and evacuations as they are rapidly changing," said Courtney James, spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Firefighters reported zero containment on Sunday afternoon, citing adverse weather and rugged terrain as major obstacles.

"We have weather working against us, and we have terrain working against us," said Benjamin Cossel, a public information officer for the federal response team deployed from California.

Power provider Avista implemented public-safety shutoffs in the affected area due to elevated fire risk. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on Saturday, noting that unusually high temperatures and strong winds have intensified the state's wildfire season.

"Things are extremely dynamic, especially in Spokane," Ferguson said at a press conference.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized federal funds to assist with the Sinlahekin, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires. Ferguson said he had spoken with the president and the Department of Homeland Security secretary about additional federal assistance and expressed optimism about a quick approval for a federal emergency declaration.