Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency as wildfires spread in the Spokane area, prompting expanded evacuations and emergency response efforts in Washington. The declaration places the fires within a broader statewide emergency framework as officials address the growing threat to communities and property.
Evacuation orders were expanded east to North Austin Road for a wildfire in northwest Spokane. Reports described thousands of people being evacuated as the Old Trails Fire continued to burn, with the fire spreading across a river and into the city.
The wildfire activity has affected areas in and around north Spokane, where residents were urged to leave as conditions changed. Officials continued responding to the fires and assessing risks as flames spread, while residents faced disruption and uncertainty from the evacuation orders.
The Spokane-area fires are part of a broader period of wildfire activity in Washington that has prompted evacuations and emergency measures. Further changes to evacuation boundaries and other protective actions were expected to depend on fire behavior and conditions on the ground.
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