Fast-moving wildfires in the Spokane area of Washington state have created a severe emergency, prompting local authorities to order thousands of residents to move to safety. Acting Governor Rob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency as fire intensity increased. On the afternoon of Saturday, August 1, the fire crossed the Spokane River and entered the city’s main area. Authorities placed broad parts of Spokane under the highest alert and told residents to leave their homes quickly for safe shelter.

According to Anadolu Agency, more than 80,900 hectares of land have been damaged across 12 major wildfire areas in the state. Four consecutive years of drought have made Washington’s forests and open areas highly vulnerable to fire, in what the report described as one of the state’s longest drought periods. Ferguson said persistent drought combined with strong gusty winds had made the fires more severe.

A strict ban on open burning and the use of fire in agricultural work will remain in force until the end of September. Suburban residents have faced the greatest losses, the report said, and authorities have opened temporary shelters for people whose homes are at risk or have been damaged. Officials fear that, despite August only beginning, 2026 may become one of the most severe wildfire seasons in recent years.