Wildfires in Spokane County force evacuations of 60,000 and destroy hundreds of structures
Three wildfires in Spokane County, Washington, have razed hundreds of buildings, prompted the evacuation of about 60,000 residents and triggered a multi-state firefighting effort, while no fatalities have been reported.
Three major wildfires are burning across Spokane County, Washington, destroying at least 600 structures and prompting the evacuation of roughly 60,000 people, officials said. The Autumn Lane Fire remains the most active blaze, though firefighters report "relatively decent control" of its perimeter.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels confirmed that no serious injuries or deaths have been reported so far. The fires have left more than 10,000 residents without power, down from a peak of over 30,000, according to Avista CEO Heather Rosentrater.
More than 100 Washington National Guard members have been deployed to assist local responders, and the state is receiving additional crews from more than a dozen U.S. states and Australia, said Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove. Federal assistance is expected, with short-term FEMA aid likely to be approved and long-term support being pursued by Governor Bob Ferguson.
Air quality in Spokane deteriorated to an AQI of 207 on Sunday, classified as "very unhealthy," as dense smoke from the fires combined with a heat dome that is driving temperatures into the 90s later in the week. Light winds on Monday should aid containment efforts, but officials warned that rising heat and potential wind shifts could worsen conditions.
"We ask residents to be patient as we work to safely reopen affected areas and allow people to return to their neighborhoods," said Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, adjutant general of the Washington National Guard.
"Getting affected residents back into their neighborhoods safely is going to take some time," Welsh added.
Mayor Lisa Brown urged volunteers to support relief efforts through the Red Cross and local aid funds. The state is prioritizing the Autumn Lane Fire for federal resources, Senator Maria Cantwell said, noting it is the highest-priority blaze in the nation.