Residents of Spokane, Washington, have received urgent evacuation orders as wildfires rapidly spread in eastern Washington state. Three major fires, including the Old Trails Fire, pose significant threats to the city. By early Sunday, the Old Trails Fire had already scorched over 3,500 acres, according to the Watch Duty app.

Large portions of Spokane are under Level 3 evacuation orders, urging residents to leave immediately. The Washington National Guard has mobilized 30 members to assist local emergency teams. A statewide wildfire emergency was declared by Governor Bob Ferguson, who plans to visit Spokane for on-ground assessments.

Strong winds and low humidity have fueled the Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane fires. Public safety reporter Alexandra Duggan noted the intense flames near a local elementary school. The Old Trails Fire threatens up to 5,000 structures and has impacted areas like Riverside State Park, located northwest of Spokane.

As a response, the city’s convention center now serves as a shelter for evacuees. Spokane, home to more than 230,000 people, is facing a challenging situation. The Washington Department of Natural Resources highlights the severe threat as thousands face power outages.

Multiple wildfires are active across Washington. The state battles 10 major fires amid a severe drought prompting a ban on outdoor fires. This includes those for trash, yard debris, and uncontained campfires. Strong winds and record-breaking drought conditions have worsened the situation.

Power outages have left nearly 11,000 customers without power, with most outages in Spokane County. This year has seen over 1,000 fires consuming about 425,000 acres, the most since 2021. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove highlights the stretched capacity of firefighters, urging residents to exercise caution.

Northwest Public Broadcasting and Spokane Public Radio have contributed insights to this ongoing report.