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Washington declares emergency over wildfires
Published : Sunday, 2 August, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Observer Online Report
Authorities in the U.S. state of Washington have declared a state of emergency as fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across the Spokane area, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and threatening homes and communities amid prolonged drought and strong winds.
According to Anadolu Agency, 12 major wildfires are currently burning across Washington state, scorching more than 80,900 hectares of land. Officials said the state has been experiencing a four-year drought, leaving forests and open landscapes extremely vulnerable to fire. The ongoing dry spell is considered one of the longest in the state's history.
Acting Governor Rob Ferguson said persistent drought conditions, combined with powerful winds, have intensified the fires and made containment efforts more difficult. In response, the state has imposed a strict ban on outdoor burning and agricultural fires through the end of September.
Authorities warned that although August has only just begun, 2026 is already on track to become one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in recent years.
The fire crossed the Spokane River and entered parts of the city on Saturday afternoon, prompting officials to issue the highest-level evacuation orders for several neighborhoods. Residents were instructed to leave their homes immediately and move to safer locations.
Suburban communities have been among the hardest hit. Emergency shelters have been opened for people whose homes have been damaged or remain under threat from the advancing flames.
Washington, which stretches north to the Canadian border along the Pacific coast, has also been affected by the broader regional wildfire crisis. Neighboring Canada has experienced severe wildfires this year as well, with nearly 3 million hectares burned in July alone, an area roughly equivalent to the size of Belgium.
Source: Anadolu Agency
-HIS
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
