Fast-moving wildfires in Washington destroy hundreds of homes: "Worst natural disaster our region has faced"

Fast-moving wildfires driven by strong winds and soaring temperatures have prompted the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area in eastern Washington state, fire officials said. More than 600 homes, businesses and other buildings have been destroyed in what Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown called the "worst natural disaster our region has faced." Three major fires were burning in the area: the Old Trails Fire — which broke out Saturday — the Fairview Fire, and the Autumn Lane Fire, which now also includes what had been known as the Meadowview Fire. The state has issued air quality warnings.The blazes sent a plume of smoke billowing over the region, and some 12 square miles of terrain had been burned as of Sunday evening around Spokane, Washington's second-largest city.