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New fire sparks west of Spokane, prompting brief evacuation order
The Seattle Times • • general
Key Points:
- A fourth wildfire, named the Charles fire, ignited Wednesday afternoon west of Spokane, prompting an initial evacuation order for residents within a one-mile radius, which was later downgraded to a readiness alert.
- The Charles fire started in a rural area but posed a threat to nearby homes, with firefighters rapidly working to contain the roughly 6-acre blaze using aerial water drops and ground crews.
- Three other wildfires have already caused extensive damage, burning hundreds of homes and buildings in Spokane, though no deaths or injuries have been reported so far.
- The fires have been fueled by exceptionally dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds, with drought persisting for the fourth consecutive year, creating highly volatile and dangerous wildfire conditions.
- Fire crews have recently experienced a brief respite from red-flag weather but anticipate worsening conditions with rising temperatures and stronger winds, increasing the risk of fire spread in the coming days.
