Spokane Wildfires Force 65,000 to Evacuate, Over 700 Structures Destroyed

A massive wildfire complex in Spokane County, Washington, has forced approximately 65,000 people to evacuate and destroyed more than 700 structures. The Spokane Complex Fire, comprising the Old Trails Fire, Fairview Fire, and Autumn Lane Fire, has burned 8,026 acres and remains 0% contained as of Monday. The Old Trails Fire has burned 3,619 acres and destroyed 640 structures. The Fairview Fire has consumed 1,056 acres, and the Autumn Lane Fire has burned 3,351 acres. Aerial flybys revealed between 700 and 1,110 structures have been lost since the fires broke out over the weekend. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the fires as "really the worst natural disaster our region has faced". She said it remains unclear when evacuees can return home, adding that it "could be a week, could be weeks". Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency prohibiting most outdoor and agricultural burning. Ferguson has submitted requests for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance and recovery funds. He said he has been speaking with President Donald Trump and is awaiting federal approval for assistance including search and rescue, debris removal, medical supplies, temporary sheltering, and emergency power. Sheriff John Nowels told a press conference that authorities are attempting to contact 14 people they have failed to reach by cell phone. No injuries have been reported, though authorities have cleared more than 200 missing person reports, with about a dozen still under review. Sen. Maria Cantwell said the fires were caused by "a historic weather event," as dry conditions and strong winds fueled the flames. Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove described it as an "extraordinary fire season" for the Pacific Northwest, noting that 15 wildfires were burning across Washington, consuming about 250,000 acres. Other major blazes are burning throughout the state, covering 262,000 acres. Federal incident management teams, including cre