Washington has declared an emergency as 12 wildfires continue to burn more than 25,000 acres, while about 60,000 people are left without power across the state.
The National Guard and firefighters from more than a dozen states have been deployed to tackle the blazes, which are being driven by strong winds, hot temperatures and critically dry conditions.
Red Flag Warning issued
The US National Weather Service issued a rare "particularly dangerous situation" Red Flag Warning for eastern Washington on Saturday, classifying the wildfire threat as extreme. The warning cited the combination of strong winds, high temperatures and critically dry conditions, which could fuel rapid fire growth and make firefighting efforts more challenging.
Governor declares emergency
Governor Bob Ferguson said: "Our record-setting drought and high winds are creating dangerous conditions across the state. I am declaring an emergency to help prevent loss of life and property damage. I encourage all Washingtonians to do their part to protect our state during these extreme conditions."
Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive year of drought, the longest statewide drought on record, creating conditions that have fuelled a severe wildfire season.
Thousands evacuated in Spokane
Lisa Brown, the mayor of Spokane, said thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes. Officials fear the number is likely to rise in the next few hours as the wildfires continue to burn.
The blaze threatening the city, the cause of which is still under investigation, is fast-moving and driven by strong winds and high temperatures. The Old Trails Fire started around noon on Saturday, burning brush and grass in an open area, but quickly spread north and east toward residential areas. Cars lined the roads as people fled their homes, and orange and red flames were visible from the local motorway.
The fire sent a plume of smoke billowing over the region, and by the evening almost four square miles of terrain had been burned, according to Courtney James, spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Damage and outlook
The Washington State Emergency Management Division reported no injuries or fatalities so far, but added that some buildings have been destroyed.
Major General Gent Welsh, adjutant general of the Washington National Guard, said: "When the sun sets and the sun rises in the morning, I think we're going to be in shock to see some of the scenes that emerged out there."
Wildfires have also affected other parts of the Pacific Northwest, with nearly 34,000 lightning strikes last month sparking multiple fires and prompting evacuation orders across southern British Columbia.
