Overview
- The governor declared a state of emergency after 12 major fires burned more than 80,900 hectares across Washington, government officials reported.
- Authorities issued the highest evacuation level, “Go Now,” for large northern sectors of Spokane and set up emergency shelters for thousands of displaced residents.
- Local reporting said one blaze crossed the Spokane River into the city, and regional coverage described hundreds of structures destroyed as crews raced to protect neighborhoods.
- State leaders blamed a fourth consecutive year of drought combined with high winds for the rapid spread of the fires and banned most outdoor and agricultural fires through September 30.
- Officials warned the intense Washington season follows an unusually severe Canadian fire season and could strain aerial and ground firefighting resources used for urgent water drops and Guard support.