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Nearly 12,000 residents have been evacuated as a wildfire spreads in Washington
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • nation
Key Points:
- Nearly 12,000 residents and over 2,000 structures have been evacuated due to a wildfire in Washington state that has spread to 250 acres, with no injuries reported so far.
- The fire remains 0% contained as of Tuesday night, and officials emphasize the urgency of evacuations and warn residents to stay out of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.
- Fire Chief Brian Mather highlighted the danger posed by wind-driven fires and the challenging conditions in the densely populated, fuel-rich area, with the fire expected to last several days.
- There are currently 10 to 15 aircraft assigned to combat the fire, with more expected to assist, while Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has requested federal assistance from FEMA to help cover extraordinary firefighting costs.
- The fire began around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, with a red flag warning issued later that evening, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
