Wildfires Force 60,000 to Flee in Washington State
Wildfires around Spokane in Washington state have forced about 60,000 people to flee and destroyed hundreds of buildings, officials said, with some of the blazes still out of control. The fires have burned across a vast area amid hot, dry and windy conditions. Firefighters were struggling to contain the fastest-moving fronts.
The fires are among the most destructive of a punishing wildfire season stretching across the northern hemisphere, from Greece and Spain to the American west. Tinder-dry vegetation, drought and fierce winds have combined to drive flames through communities with little warning, testing evacuation plans and stretching firefighting resources. Scientists link the growing intensity of such fires to a warming climate. Thousands sheltered in emergency centres as the smoke spread for miles. Watch whether the winds ease and allow crews to gain the upper hand.