Fires near Spokane, Washington, force 60,000 people to evacuate
Wildfires in eastern Washington have forced the evacuation of 60,000 people and destroyed at least 600 structures in the Spokane area. Officials warn that dry weather conditions will continue to challenge firefighting efforts as the state struggles to contain multiple blazes.
Why it matters
The event highlights the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in the Western U.S. and the strain they place on emergency response resources.
By JOHN HANNA Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] --> Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. --> Share
Wildfires in eastern Washington state forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area while destroying at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures, authorities said Sunday.
The fires in and around Spokane, the state’s second largest city, burned about 8.2 square miles (about 21 square kilometers) over the weekend and were among dozens of wildfires across the Western U.S. that stretched the ability of federal, state and local agencies to fight them.
A total of about 390 square miles (1,000 square kilometers) has burned across the state, and some of the fires, including those in the Spokane area, have not been contained.
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