Wildfires Explode Near Spokane, Washington, Forcing Mass Evacuations

Fast-moving wildfires fueled by drought, dry vegetation and powerful winds tore through neighborhoods near Spokane, Washington, over the weekend, destroying or damaging at least 600 structures and forcing roughly 60,000 people to evacuate.

Explosive Fire Growth Leaves Spokane-Area Neighborhoods in Ruins

The Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires ignited Saturday and burned more than 7,500 acres across Spokane and Stevens counties, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. All three remained uncontained Sunday as crews worked to assess damage and protect threatened communities.

The Old Trails Fire, the largest of the three, burned about 3,500 acres northwest of Spokane after rapidly spreading through grass and brush, crossing the Spokane River and reaching residential neighborhoods. Patients were evacuated from the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, and thousands of customers lost power as the fires damaged transmission lines. No deaths or serious injuries had been reported as of Sunday, though officials said damage assessments were continuing.