Washington, August 02 (QNA) – A fast-moving wildfire swept through western Spokane County in the US state of Washington, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as strong winds drove the blaze toward residential areas.

The fire ignited in a sparsely populated area before rapidly spreading through trees and dry grass across nearly 10 square kilometers. Fueled by strong winds, it continued to advance north and east, prompting evacuation orders as roads became congested with traffic and thick smoke blanketed the area.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and imposed a ban on outdoor burning, including in agricultural areas, as firefighters battled the blaze.

According to The Associated Press, the cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.

Courtney James, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, urged residents to comply with evacuation orders and remain alert for updated instructions, warning that conditions could change rapidly.

The wildfire comes as extreme heat and dry conditions across the western United States have heightened the risk of wildfires. The US Forest Service warned that the conditions have increased the potential for extreme fire behavior, including the formation of dangerous fire whirls.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued an unprecedented warning of “an extremely dangerous situation” for eastern Washington, citing critical fire weather conditions.

In neighboring Oregon, authorities also issued fire warnings as firefighters continued battling multiple wildfires, including the Rowe Creek Complex fire, which has burned more than 1,269 square kilometers. (QNA)