According to Xinhua News Agency, Washington state officials, USA on August 2 (local time) said that 3 large wildfires in the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane areas have burned down about 22km2 and have not yet been controlled.
Across Washington state, the affected area has reached about 1,010km2. The fires have forced about 60,000 people to evacuate. At least 600 houses, businesses and many other structures were burned down.
Local authorities said that so far no casualties or missing people have been recorded. About 4,000 firefighters are being mobilized to control more than 10 major wildfires across the state.
Many areas in Spokane have been placed under level 3 evacuation warning, requiring people to leave the area immediately.
The city government also opened an emergency shelter at the Spokane convention center to receive evacuators.
Forest fires forced the local veterans' medical center to evacuate patients, while disrupting the operation of many public facilities and utility services. Many areas around Spokane also recorded power outages.
According to local authorities, the fires broke out and spread rapidly from August 1st due to strong winds, hot sun and prolonged drought vegetation.
Faced with the serious developments of wildfires, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency throughout the state to mobilize resources to respond to wildfires, and issued a ban on most outdoor fire activities.
