A fast-moving wildfire in eastern Washington has destroyed homes, forced mass evacuations and triggered a large emergency response, officials said.
The Upriver Fire, burning near Spokane, Washington, ignited on June 17 and was rapidly pushed into a residential area by strong winds. By late that day, it had burned around 222 acres and was only 10% contained, NBC News reports, citing the U.S. Forest Service wildfire tracking system.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of approximately 1,500 residents, with many leaving their homes abruptly as flames approached densely populated neighbourhoods. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said residents were sometimes escorted back briefly by officers to retrieve essential items such as medication before being moved out again.
At least 15 homes have been destroyed, and officials reported that a forensic team discovered what appeared to be human remains inside one burned residence. Authorities are still working to confirm the identity of the deceased and the circumstances of the death. No other injuries have been reported so far.
Fire officials said the blaze spread quickly after starting shortly after midday, moving uphill before shifting winds drove it into residential streets. Crews from Washington and Idaho deployed ground and air resources, while utility company Avista cut power in affected areas to reduce risk.
Emergency management officials warned that the fire threatened not only homes but also nearby infrastructure, including schools, power lines and businesses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved federal firefighting assistance, citing the potential for major disaster conditions.
Fire authorities also noted that wildfire activity across the United States this year is running above the 10-year average, with elevated risk conditions expected to persist in several regions in the coming weeks.
