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Washington wildfires destroy homes, force thousands to evacuate
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- Three major wildfires near Spokane, Washington, have burned over 7,000 acres, destroyed approximately 700 structures, and forced the evacuation of about 65,000 residents, with nearly half of Spokane's neighborhoods evacuated or at risk.
- The largest fire, the Old Trails Fire, covers more than 3,600 acres, and despite cooler temperatures, shifting winds and lack of rain have hindered containment efforts; the cause of the fires remains unknown.
- Local and out-of-state firefighters are actively battling the blazes amid unprecedented conditions attributed to climate change and historic El Niño-fueled hot, dry weather.
- Hundreds of evacuees, including elderly and disabled individuals, are sheltering in facilities such as the Spokane Convention Center, with many having lost their homes and possessions.
- Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has requested federal emergency assistance, describing the situation as a "war zone," and has communicated with President Trump and Homeland Security officials to secure support.
