Wildfires Drive Evacuation Orders for Washington State Residents
Hundreds of residents north and west of Spokane have been told to flee their homes after stiff, dry winds fanned wildfire flames throughout the region in eastern Washington state.
A series of wildfires have prompted evacuation orders for numerous residents in eastern Washington state, with the Fairview fire north of Spokane consuming 981 acres and the Old Trails incident covering 3,509 acres. Emergency alerts instructed residents to evacuate immediately due to life-threatening conditions. Temporary shelters were set up at the Spokane Convention Center and the local fairgrounds for those fleeing with pets and recreational vehicles.
Air quality alerts and power outages were also issued across the region, with Governor Bob Ferguson declaring a statewide emergency and outdoor burn ban through September. The ongoing drought and dry winds have elevated fire weather conditions in eastern Washington and parts of 12 other states. As of early Sunday, over 17,600 residents, including more than 13,400 in Spokane County, remained without power.
Over 1,000 wildfires have burned 426,666 acres across Washington since July 29, covering an area roughly half the size of Rhode Island, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources. Firefighters from 14 states and Australia, along with Washington National Guard troops, are battling the blazes.
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- Wildfires Drive Evacuation Orders for Washington State Residents financialpost.com
