Washington state fires destroy hundreds of buildings and force Spokane-area residents to evacuate

Wildfires in eastern Washington state, particularly near Spokane, destroyed approximately 700 buildings and forced 67,000 residents to evacuate. The fires, which burned 12.5 square miles, left neighborhoods with scorched debris and melted structures, with some families returning to find their homes completely ruined. Authorities reported no deaths or major injuries, though nearly 300 missing persons were initially reported.