Washington wildfires: nearly 65,000 evacuated; air quality 'unhealthy'
by Joe Fisher · UPIAug. 3 (UPI) -- Nearly 65,000 people have been evacuated in Spokane County, Wash., Monday as wildfires spread through the area.
More than 700 homes have been destroyed since Saturday in what is the worst wildfire season the Pacific Northwest has experienced in more than 30 years. More than 250,000 acres have burned in Washington alone.
Firefighters are nowhere near stopping the fires that have ripped across the Spokane area. Spokane County is the fourth most populous county in the state. The wildfires are expected to burn for weeks, Kris Maynard, Spokane County Fire District 8 deputy chief, told CNN.
"I hate to say our whole community seems to be under threat right now, because the fire started kind of more towards the base [Fairchild Air Force Base], and then now has just grown to the size to where it's jumping rivers, it's jumping the streets, it's going in the direction to where magnitudes of homes are," Maynard said. "This fire is going to be going on for weeks but we're attacking it. We're being aggressive against it because we want to make sure that no lives are lost and that no more homes are going to be lost."
The other threat from the wildfires is the air quality. The Spokane region has the worst air quality in the United States on Monday with an Air Quality Index of 200. The air quality rating is considered unhealthy, especially for children, elderly adults, people with heart and lung conditions and other sensitive individuals.
Dave Upthegrove, Washington Public Lands commissioner, said 15 wildfires are active across the state.
No deaths or injuries have been reported.
High temperatures are unlikely to aid in the fight against the wildfires this week. Spokane is forecasted to see temperatures reaching 90 degrees or more beginning on Tuesday. The area faced gusty winds over the weekend, further adding to the conditions that have allowed the fires to spread.
Winds are expected to be more mild on Monday and temperatures are to reach about 80 degrees.