At least one person was killed in the Washington wildfires.
Fast-moving wildfires are raging through eastern Washington, forcing thousands of people to evacuate, and “problematic” weather is making it tough for firefighters to put out the flames, according to officials on Saturday.
The so-called Grey Fire, which started on Friday night and spread to over 9,500 acres near Spokane, destroyed over 185 buildings, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The department stated in a social media post that it couldn’t be contained. Uncertain of its origin, the fire broke out Friday around midday and was stoked by wind and dry vegetation. As a result of the fire, authorities in Spokane County issued a state of emergency as of Saturday noon.
The city of Medical Lake, Washington, which is home to 4,800 people, received level 3 evacuation orders, often known as “Go Now” orders. Officials reported that Saturday saw power outages in certain areas of Medical Lake.
Sheriff John Nowels of Spokane County told station KREM 2, “Please do not come to the city of Medical Lake at this time. Because of how quickly this fire is spreading, I don’t want the locals to misjudge their vulnerability.”
Nowels said deputies were “running from house to house” urging people to leave their homes, NBC News reported.
“We’ve had to rescue people by boat. We’ve had to rescue people by helicopter,” Nowels said.
“Please honor Level 3 (evacuation), not doing so is hindering response,” the Department of Natural Resources said.
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Another blaze known as the Oregon Road Fire near Elk, Washington, had burned 3,000 acres and destroyed 30 structures by Saturday morning. Over 100 more homes were threatened, the department said.
