AI Generated Image
Wildfire prompts thousands to evacuate in eastern Washington
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- A fast-moving wildfire, known as the Old Trails Fire, swept across northwest Spokane, Washington, driven by strong winds and high temperatures, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents.
- The fire started around noon, rapidly spreading from brush and grass to residential areas, burning nearly 4 square miles by evening and producing large plumes of smoke visible across the region.
- Officials urged residents to follow evacuation orders and stay alert as conditions and evacuation zones were rapidly changing, with some structures reported lost but no confirmed count yet.
- Firefighters had zero containment by evening due to continuing strong winds, and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.
- Power company Avista implemented public safety power shutoffs in the affected area to reduce the risk of further fire spread.
