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Hotter, drier weather ahead as firefighters contend with Spokane wildfires
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Firefighters have established containment lines around three wildfires near Spokane, Washington, but hotter, drier, and windier conditions are expected later this week, complicating efforts to control the fires.
- The fires, which have destroyed about 850 buildings and displaced approximately 67,000 people, include one deliberately set by a man arrested and charged with arson; the causes of the other two fires remain under investigation.
- Evacuation orders remain in place with no clear timeline for lifting, as officials prioritize safety amid ongoing fire risks and incoming adverse weather conditions.
- The fires have strained firefighting resources across Washington, with over 7,000 personnel battling 16 active wildfires covering more than 672 square miles, marking one of the worst fire seasons in state history.
- Local residents and institutions, including the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, have been heavily affected, with many evacuees uncertain about returning home due to damage, lack of utilities, and ongoing fire danger.
