Washington wildfires destroy over 600 structures, force tens of thousands to evacuate
More than 600 buildings were lost as the Spokane Complex Fire burned 7,708 acres in Washington state, prompting evacuations of up to 60,000 residents and a statewide emergency declaration.
Wildfires in the Spokane region of Washington continued to spread on Sunday, destroying more than 600 structures and prompting evacuations of tens of thousands of residents. The three fires, collectively known as the Spokane Complex Fire, have burned 7,708 acres and remain 0% contained, according to a federal incident management team overseeing the response. No injuries have been reported.
The complex includes the Old Trails Fire (3,619 acres), the Fairview Fire (1,056 acres) and the Autumn Lane Fire (3,351 acres). Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the event as the worst natural disaster the area has faced. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell said the blazes were driven by a “historic weather event,” noting north-northwest winds of up to 35 mph and dry conditions.
State officials said about 60,000 people within Spokane city limits have been ordered to evacuate, and fire officials reported 640 structures destroyed in the Old Trails Fire alone. Authorities have not yet determined how many of the damaged buildings were homes, businesses or schools.
Governor Bob Ferguson announced a statewide emergency that bans most outdoor and agricultural burning, and he said a request for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance has been submitted, with additional recovery funding requests pending. Fifteen wildfires are burning across Washington, affecting roughly 250,000 acres, according to Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove.
Federal Interagency Incident Management Teams have taken command of the Spokane Complex Fire, with two California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) incident management teams providing national crew support – a first for Washington state. Nearly 12,000 utility customers, primarily in Spokane, were without power on Sunday.
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for parts of Spokane County, and a new order was issued for sections of Stevens County near the Spokane River. Local officials praised first responders working extended shifts and urged residents to stay informed as cooler temperatures and continued dry, windy conditions are expected through the week.