Wildfires burn hundreds of homes in US northwest city of Spokane
Footage from Washington state show house after house being engulfed by flames as wind-fuelled blazes swept through hot, dry conditions.
Overnight into Sunday, fast-moving wildfires ravaged Spokane, Washington, destroying hundreds of homes and prompting mass evacuations. The blaze, exacerbated by hot, dry weather, left entire neighborhoods in ashes, with some houses reduced to vacant lots. The Old Trails fire, the largest among the three burning in and around Spokane, crossed the Spokane River into the city on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities have not yet reported any fatalities or injuries. A "Go Now" evacuation alert was issued for parts of northern Spokane, affecting thousands of residents. Thick smoke filled the city as cars lined up on highways, with people fleeing their homes. Local TV reporters witnessed walls of flames and cascades of black smoke.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency, noting the state is in its fourth consecutive year of drought due to climate change. Three fires burned across Eastern Washington, collectively scorching 5,390 acres. The National Weather Service issued a "particularly dangerous situation" Red Flag Alert, warning of extreme weather risks. The Washington National Guard rapidly mobilized to assist Spokane.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
