A rapidly spreading wildfire has triggered mass evacuations across the US state of Washington, as extreme weather conditions continue to drive the blaze. The fire, known as the Old Trails Fire, began around noon on Saturday and has already consumed nearly 3,000 acres, or approximately 1,214 hectares, of land. According to State Forester George Geissler, the flames are currently threatening an estimated 4,000 structures, though the full extent of the physical damage is still being assessed.
Emergency officials have issued the highest Level 3 evacuation order for several areas within Spokane County, urging residents to depart immediately due to life-threatening conditions. To accommodate those displaced, authorities have established an evacuation shelter at a local community college. The fire has also disrupted critical infrastructure, forcing evacuations at a veterans' hospital, a water reclamation facility, and a waste-to-energy plant in Spokane.
In response to the crisis, Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide state of emergency and implemented a burn ban. The National Weather Service has also taken the unprecedented step of issuing its first-ever Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning for Central and Eastern Washington. Governor Ferguson expressed his concern for the affected residents, noting that Spokane is rapidly moving into a crisis situation. Washington National Guard Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh warned that the aftermath could be devastating, stating that communities might face extensive damage that will be shocking to witness at sunrise.
The fire is being fueled by historically strong winds, low humidity, and persistent drought conditions. Currently, there are 12 large wildfires burning across Washington, encompassing more than 200,000 acres and requiring the deployment of over 4,000 firefighting personnel. The specific cause of the Old Trails Fire remains under investigation.
