In brief
In downtown Spokane, wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes, leaving thousands still under mandatory evacuation orders. One suspect has been arrested on arson charges, while BBC journalist Max Matza reports the living damage and aftermath from a neighbourhood ablaze.
Live Report: Spokane Fires
Thousands of residents are still under mandatory evacuation orders in Spokane, Washington, as wildfires have scorched over 860 buildings, including hundreds of homes. The heat has turned rooftops into bonfires and streets into active fire zones.
Authorities have arrested one suspect on suspicion of arson related to one of the blazes, widening investigations into the cause of the spread. Police are combing the area for further evidence while firefighters continue to battle flames that have claimed infrastructure and displaced families.
BBC correspondent Max Matza is on site, reporting from a neighbourhood where the fire has left houses gutted and neighbors stranded. Matza delivers a raw look at the aftermath, speaking to residents evacuated by a mandatory order, the urgency of community safety measures, and the effort to contain the fire’s spread.
The damage is already visible—loose debris and charred roofs show the scale of the devastation, while emergency crews work to protect remaining structures. Residents are urged to remain in shelters until the evacuation is lifted and officials confirm that all flammable areas are secure.
For the latest updates, sign up for real‑time alerts on the BBC and watch the live feeds as the situation evolves.
