Thousands Put Under Evacuation Orders In Spokane Area As Wildfires Spread

Topline

Thousands of people in eastern Washington are under evacuation orders after a series of wildfires broke out on Saturday, spreading rapidly in Spokane County as forecasters predict “very dry conditions” and breezy winds that could potentially exacerbate ongoing blazes.

At least three major fires are burning near Spokane with 0% containment, according to government data: the Fairview Fire northeast of the city, the Autumn Lane Fire and the Old Trails Fire, both located roughly northwest of the city.

The three fires have burned an estimated 5,390 acres in the area so far, Courtney James, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, told Forbes.

James said it was too early to determine how many structures were damaged by the fires, and crews were still working to “get a handle on the fires which were exacerbated by extreme weather conditions yesterday.”

Other officials have estimated more than 600 structures have been destroyed, multiple outlets reported, although it is unclear how many were homes.

Thousands of people in Spokane County were placed under “Level 3” evacuation orders to “leave now,” which were still in place on Sunday, according to the county’s evacuation map.

An estimated 900 personnel are on the scene fighting the three blazes, James told Forbes, and more were still on their way to assist.