WASHINGTON: Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate as fast-moving wildfires spread across Washington state, prompting authorities to declare an emergency during one of the state’s most severe fire seasons on record.
The Old Trails Fire advanced rapidly towards the city of Spokane on Saturday, crossing the Spokane River and forcing officials to issue the highest-level “Go Now” evacuation order for several northern neighbourhoods.
The wildfire had expanded to more than 3,500 acres by Saturday evening, while more than 200,000 acres were burning across Washington as prolonged drought and strong winds fuelled multiple fires.
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, describing the combination of record drought and high winds as creating extremely dangerous conditions. He also announced a ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning until the end of September.
Officials said Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive year of statewide drought, with this year’s wildfire season already among the busiest on record despite only entering August.
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No injuries were immediately reported, but emergency authorities opened an evacuation shelter at the Spokane Convention Center to assist displaced residents.
The National Weather Service issued a “particularly dangerous situation” Red Flag Warning for eastern Washington, signalling an extreme risk of rapidly spreading wildfires because of hot, dry and windy conditions.
The Washington National Guard said it was rapidly mobilising personnel to support firefighting and emergency response efforts.
Authorities urged residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders immediately and remain alert as changing weather conditions could accelerate the spread of the fires.
