Firefighters have established containment lines around all three wildfires burning near Spokane, Washington, as cooler weather aids suppression efforts. Tens of thousands remain displaced after the fires destroyed approximately 850 buildings since erupting last weekend.
Officials reported Wednesday that crews were reinforcing containment lines ahead of forecasted hotter, drier, and windier conditions later this week. Temperatures are expected to rise from the 80s into the upper 90s (36-37 degrees Celsius) by late week, with reduced humidity increasing fire risk.
Investigations into fire origins continue, with authorities confirming that one fire was deliberately set by an arrested suspect charged with arson. The other two fires are also under investigation, with officials stating they were started by human activity, though not necessarily intentionally. No fatalities have been reported.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for large portions of the region, and damage assessment teams are working to tally the full extent of structural losses. Authorities have not yet released a final count of destroyed or damaged homes.
The fires have forced the evacuation of around 67,000 people since the weekend, with officials urging residents to remain vigilant as conditions evolve. Containment efforts are ongoing, but firefighters acknowledge that the upcoming weather shift poses significant challenges to maintaining progress.