France: Fire evacuees return to their homes

Wildfires threaten major U.S. city Spokane, Washington, faces immediate danger from a large wildfire that has forced thousands to evacuate and declared a state of emergency. The blaze, known as the Old Trails Fire, has spread into the city limits, threatening homes, infrastructure, and essential services. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), over 84 large wildfires were burning across the United States as of Saturday, with nearly 27,000 firefighters and support personnel deployed nationwide. The situation has reached its worst point, with the country’s highest preparedness level, National Preparedness Level 5, in effect. On Saturday afternoon local time, the Old Trails Fire expanded beyond the Spokane River and into the city itself, prompting urgent evacuation orders for several northern neighborhoods. Authorities urged residents to leave immediately, citing extreme fire conditions characterized by dry weather and strong winds. By Saturday evening, the fire had consumed approximately 1,400 hectares (14 square kilometers) of land surrounding Spokane, with around 60,000 people experiencing power outages. The blaze threatens roughly 4,000 structures, including a veterans hospital and critical water and electricity infrastructure. City officials confirmed that these facilities had been evacuated. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Washington, allowing for additional resources and federal assistance. The Old Trails Fire is among twelve major wildfires burning across the state, covering more than 80,900 hectares. This follows four consecutive years of severe drought, creating dangerous conditions for fire spread. The governor emphasized that open fires and agricultural waste burning would be prohibited until the end of September. Spokane, the second-largest city in Washington, has a population of about 230,000 people. Emergency shelters have been set up at the city's convention center for evacuees. Local media, including The Seattle Times and Spokesman-Review, reported that the fire was fueled by unprecedented wildfire weather, with dry conditions and gusty winds exacerbating the flames. The National Weather Service warned of heightened wildfire risk along the West Coast, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. State National Guard units have mobilized aggressively to assist firefighting efforts. Major General Gent Welsh expressed concern during a press conference, stating that the damage could be shocking once the sun sets and rises again. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by emergency responders dealing with rapidly spreading fires. Residents in affected areas were advised to seek shelter immediately, with some neighborhoods under the highest evacuation alert. Officials confirmed there were no initial reports of injuries, suggesting that many residents had managed to escape before the fire reached their homes. However, the scale of destruction remains unclear, with authorities continuing to assess the impact on residential and commercial properties. The fire has disrupted daily life in Spokane, with power outages affecting tens of thousands and essential services temporarily relocated. The city’s mayor, Lisa Brown, stated that key facilities such as hospitals and utility systems had been cleared to ensure public safety. As the situation evolves, further updates will depend on how quickly containment efforts progress and whether additional resources can be deployed effectively. Emergency management teams continue to monitor the fire’s movement and coordinate with federal agencies to provide necessary support. With the threat of continued high temperatures and strong winds, the battle against the Old Trails Fire shows no signs of easing, leaving the community on edge as they await developments in the coming days.