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🇫🇷 France /Disasters & Emergencies

Hundreds of homes lost as severe wildfires rage in northwestern US

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Devastating wildfires have ravaged Spokane, Washington, destroying hundreds of buildings and forcing mass evacuations.
  • Officials are still assessing the damage and have not yet confirmed any fatalities, but are concerned about potential loss of life.
  • Three active fires, covering approximately 2,180 hectares, continue to burn, with the largest, the Old Trails Fire, having crossed the Spokane River.

Wildfires of immense destructive power have torn through Spokane, Washington, leaving a trail of hundreds of destroyed homes and structures in their wake. The infernos have triggered widespread evacuations, as residents flee the advancing flames. While authorities have not yet reported any fatalities, they acknowledge the possibility of loss of life as the full extent of the devastation becomes clearer.

Hundreds of homes and structures have been lost. We are still evaluating the possibility that lives have been lost.

— Lisa BrownSpokane Mayor Lisa Brown speaking at a press conference about the wildfire devastation.

Mayor Lisa Brown described the scene as heartbreaking, stating that "hundreds of homes and structures have been lost." She added that officials are still evaluating the potential for casualties. Images from the area depict homes reduced to ash, charred vehicles, and blackened landscapes, painting a grim picture of the fire's impact. Resident Geoff Beadles shared his distress, calling the sight of destroyed homes one of the most devastating he has ever witnessed.

Local Sheriff John Nowels indicated that no victims have been confirmed so far, but cautioned that this could change given the "extent" of the disaster. Currently, three active fires are burning in and around Spokane, collectively covering about 2,180 hectares. The most significant of these, the Old Trails Fire, breached the Spokane River on Saturday and moved into the city.

Simply driving around looking at the houses, it's one of the most heartbreaking things I've seen in my life.

— Geoff BeadlesA Spokane resident describing the scene after fleeing his home due to the wildfires.

Although weather conditions improved on Sunday with reduced wind, none of the fires are contained. Residents in northern Spokane were issued a "Go Now" evacuation order, urging thousands to leave their homes immediately. Witness accounts describe massive traffic jams as people attempted to escape, with flames reportedly blocking several routes out of the city. The Washington National Guard has initiated a rapid mobilization to assist in the response efforts.

There were probably hundreds and hundreds of cars.

— Tena RisleyA resident describing the traffic chaos during the evacuation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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