‘A war zone’: Gov. Ferguson seeks federal aid as Spokane wildfires level neighborhoods, displace 65,000

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said federal resources are on the way to help Washington battle 17 major wildfires burning more than 260,000 acres — the size of 200,000 football fields.

Ferguson said during a news conference Monday the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) agreed to send those resources before they’ve even been approved.

“The type of direct federal assistance would include search and rescue, debris removal, medical supplies and assistance, temporary sheltering, emergency power,” he said. “So, for example, generators. Those are the types of direct assistance that we’re requesting from the federal government for those jurisdictions and those tribes.”

Wildfires near Spokane have forced more than 65,000 people from their homes as fast-moving flames continue to spread across eastern Washington in what is the worst natural disaster ever in the area.

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown asked for patience as police and fire personnel are constantly evaluating the situation.

“It’s neighborhood by neighborhood and block by block,” she said. “And so we really want you to just pay attention. They are regularly reevaluating the situation, the weather, the fire, and the potential for things to reignite. They are regularly reevaluating that, and we’ll issue any changes whenever they have that information that makes it safe to do so, and on a daily basis.”

Spokane County sheriff: 14 people still unaccounted for, but likely evacuated safely

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said they received around 290 911 calls, not necessarily missing persons reports, but calls from people officials felt they needed to locate, and had been unable to reach 14 of them.

“We got through all but 14 of them yesterday,” Nowels said. “We’ll be able to locate people by phone. I do not want people to think that we have 14 missing people. These are people who may have called for help or help evacuating, and many of them likely did get evacuated.”

Dry conditions and strong winds sent flames racing through neighborhoods over the weekend, destroying close to 700 structures, including hundreds of homes. Residents across the Spokane area are being told to evacuate now. An evacuation zone map can be seen here.

Entire neighborhoods around Spokane have been leveled, with cars reduced to charred metal and, for many residents, everything they owned gone. The Spokane area fires — Old Trails Fire, Fairview Fire, and Autumn Lane Fire — cover more than 8,000 acres and are 0% contained, according to InciWeb.

Gregory Mark, a spokesperson for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, told KIRO Newsradio the cause of the fires remains under investigation.

National Guard Adjutant Major General compares aftermath of wildfires to a war zone

Washington National Guard Adjutant Major General Gent Welsh compared the fire line to what he saw serving in Iraq, and added that residents will be dealing with the loss for years.

“I can tell you today that that’s a war zone,” he said. “When you finally get in there, and you finally look at the devastation and the damage.”

Hundreds of firefighters, including crews from California and Australia, are up against the elements.

“We’ve brought significant assets to bear, both rotor and fixed-wing aircraft, engines, dozers, hand crews,” Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove said. “We have more than 900 individuals among the different agencies.”

Red Cross taking donations, volunteers

Those wanting to support residents affected by the wildfires can donate on the Red Cross’ website, call (800) 733-2767, or text REDCROSS to 90999.

The Red Cross is also taking volunteers. For more information, go here.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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