Wildfires in eastern Washington state have destroyed at least 600 homes, businesses, and other structures, forcing the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The rapid expansion of the blazes has overwhelmed local emergency services, with investigators still unable to determine the cause of the fires.
Washington Senator Maria Cantwell warned that the danger remains acute, urging residents to heed evacuation orders as conditions deteriorate.
Washington Senator Maria Cantwell warned that the danger remains acute, urging residents to heed evacuation orders as conditions deteriorate.
The disaster comes as a severe heat wave sweeps across the western United States, exacerbating fire risks and straining regional infrastructure.
Previous reporting indicated that wildfires had already consumed more than 250,000 acres in the state, triggering widespread power outages around Spokane.
The combination of extreme heat and dry conditions has created a volatile environment for energy and utility operators, raising concerns about grid stability and supply chain disruptions in the region.