The wildfires that broke out over the weekend in Spokane, Washington state, forced 60,000 people to evacuate and destroyed hundreds of structures. Fire officials said at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures were completely destroyed.
The fires that have ravaged Spokane and surrounding areas burned nearly 21 square kilometers. As one of dozens of wildfires burning across the western United States, this incident is straining the capacity of federal, state and local response teams.
Officials emphasized that no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, but noted that response efforts are still in their early stages. Images from the area show buildings engulfed in flames and thick smoke rising near residential areas.
Washington state Senator Maria Cantwell said at a press conference in Spokane, "The danger is far from over. The next few days will be tough." Officials noted that dry weather conditions are expected to persist in the coming days, which is a source of concern. The cause of the fires has not yet been determined.
Other wildfires in the West
Spokane is not the only area battling wildfires. A blaze that has been burning for 10 days in western Idaho and eastern Oregon has scorched nearly 1,360 square kilometers of rangeland. Officials reported that the fire is threatening more than 600 homes and 800 other structures.
In central Utah, a massive wildfire that doubled in size over the weekend had reached 145 square kilometers by Sunday morning. Local law enforcement officials said more than 100 head of cattle perished in the fire.
