More Than 10,000 Residences Were Evacuated, and Over 60,000 People Left Spokane, a Metro Area of About 600,000 Residents

More than 10,000 residences were evacuated, and over 60,000 people left Spokane, a metro area of about 600,000 residents. No serious injuries or fatalities had been reported as of 5 p.m. Sunday, said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and an outdoor burn ban through September, and deployed 100 National Guard members.

He said he spoke with President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin after requesting federal aid. Emergency centers opened at the Spokane Convention Center and fairgrounds. Power was shut off to some areas to prevent sparking, leaving more than 11,800 customers without electricity, mostly in Spokane County.

Air quality alerts were issued as smoke spread across the region. At least 10 large fires were burning in Washington, and 1,038 blazes had scorched 426,666 acres by July 29. "the worst natural disaster our region has faced."