Washington Wildfires Force Evacations, State Declares Emergency

Wildfires across more than 250,000 acres in Washington state have forced evacuations and caused power outages in the Spokane area, officials said on Sunday.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and a burn ban on Saturday morning to curb the spread of the fires, stating, "Our state is facing a very serious situation with multiple fires, and our hearts go out to Washingtonians who are losing their homes."

No injuries or fatalities have been reported to date, but authorities warn that the situation remains fluid as crews work to contain the blaze.

Spokane, the state's second most populous city, is currently on high alert as the fires threaten residential areas and infrastructure.

National guard troops and wildfire crews are being called in to assist, while residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay updated via local news and the official Washington state emergency website.

Source: BBC News, August 2, 2026