About 60,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as fast-moving wildfires threaten the city of Spokane in Washington state, with local officials confirming that the blazes have already destroyed about 600 buildings, including homes and businesses.
The Spokane Area Fire, which consists of three separate wildfires, was continuing to endanger communities under evacuation orders, Spokane Fire Chief Tom Williams told Reuters on Sunday.
According to a federal incident management team, the fires had scorched 5,390 acres (2,180 hectares) by Sunday as firefighters battled to contain the advancing flames.
Despite the extensive destruction, officials said no injuries or fatalities had been reported as of Sunday afternoon.
Describing the scale of the disaster, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said, “This is the worst natural disaster our region has faced.”
The fires have also disrupted electricity supply across the region, with Avista Utilities Chief Executive Officer Heather Rosentrader saying about 10,000 customers were without power on Sunday afternoon.
The wildfire crisis extends beyond Spokane, with Washington state officials reporting that more than 250,000 acres (101,171 hectares) are currently burning across the state.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said he had spoken with US President Donald Trump on Sunday to request federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Ferguson has also declared a statewide emergency as authorities intensify efforts to contain the fires and protect affected communities.
Boluwatife Enome
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