Washington state wildfires spark evacuations - BBC
Wildfires in Washington state have burned over 250,000 acres, prompting a statewide emergency declaration and a burn ban. While no injuries have been reported, the fires have caused significant evacuations and power outages.
Why it matters
The event underscores the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related natural disasters in the Pacific Northwest.
Wildfires across more than 250,000 acres have forced evacuations and caused power outages in the Washington state's Spokane area, US officials said.
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and burn ban on Saturday morning.
"Our state is facing a very serious situation with multiple fires, and our hearts go out to Washingtonians who are losing their homes", Ferguson said.
According to officials, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Spokane is the state's second most populous city.
Share Save Witnesses describe 'horrible' and 'chaotic' Seattle shooting Three people have been killed and several others injured following a shooting at a food festival near the Space Needle.
'Security was tighter this time': Inside the room at Trump press dinner The BBC's Bernd Debusmann Jr attended the rearranged dinner after the first was disrupted by a gunman.
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