A series of devastating wildfires in eastern Washington state has forced the evacuation of approximately 60,000 people in the Spokane area, while destroying at least 600 homes, businesses, and other structures. The fires, which have burned about 12 square miles, were 0% contained as of early Monday, according to Courtney James, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
The weather forecast for Monday offered a glimmer of hope, with cooler temperatures and light winds expected, following strong wind gusts on Sunday. However, no rain was in the forecast, and officials warned that the area remains at risk. The fires in Spokane are among dozens of wildfires across the Western U.S. that have stretched the ability of federal, state, and local agencies to fight them.
At least 390 square miles have burned across the state, with some fires, including those in the Spokane area, remaining uncontained. Despite the widespread destruction, fire and law enforcement officials reported no injuries or people unaccounted for, although they stressed that it was early in the response effort. The evacuees in Spokane included patients at the U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital.
Video footage from the area showed buildings on fire, black smoke billowing up near neighborhoods, and the smoking ruins of homes, with only chimneys still standing. Officials expressed concern that the area does not appear likely to get a break in coming days from the weather, which is expected to remain dry. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell warned during a news conference on Sunday that the next couple of days would be challenging.
The cause of the blazes remains under investigation. Meanwhile, fire officials reported that two unauthorized drone operators had been cited, and there were at least 26
