'It's apocalyptic.' A look at the aftermath of catastrophic fires in Spokane - kuow.org
Catastrophic wildfires in Spokane, Washington, have destroyed at least 900 structures and forced 67,000 residents to evacuate. First responders describe the scene as apocalyptic, with entire neighborhoods leveled by the ongoing blazes.
Why it matters
The scale of destruction highlights the increasing severity of wildfire seasons and the immense strain placed on local emergency services and community infrastructure.
Looking west on West Excell Avenue at the intersection of North Sutherlin Street, you’ll see nothing but homes burned to the ground for as far as the eye can see.
And there’s so much more that the eye can’t see. In northwest Spokane, barricades block streets surrounding the worst of the destruction, and in some areas, vehicles aren’t able to enter or exit.
Evacuees are living in a state of purgatory. Along Indian Trail Road, residents are transporting their belongings and supplies on foot, in wagons, on Lime scooters, on bicycles — or they're taking rides from neighbors who have space in their vehicles inside the evacuation zones.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in