Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes as wildfires burn near Spokane, Washington, but crews are finally making progress against the flames. The Old Trails Fire has destroyed homes on the edge of the city and blanketed the region in thick smoke for more than a week.
Families flee with little notice
Evacuation orders swept across entire neighborhoods as the fire jumped roads and raced through dry grass. Residents packed what they could and left. Shelters in the area are housing families, many of whom brought only documents, pets, and a few bags of clothes.
Local officials said the fire moved faster than many people expected. Some residents had minutes to decide what to save. Others refused to leave at first, then changed their minds as the smoke and flames closed in.
Crews turn the corner
After days of hot, dry wind, calmer weather has given firefighters a chance to build containment lines. Crews from multiple states have joined the effort, along with aircraft dropping water and retardant. Officials said containment has grown, and some evacuation orders have been lifted.
Still, they warned that the fire is far from out. Hot spots can flare up without warning, and winds are expected to return later in the week. Residents returning home have been told to stay ready to leave again.
A season of fire
The Spokane blaze is part of a brutal wildfire season across the American West and beyond. Fires are also burning in Canada, Australia, Argentina, and South Africa. Climate researchers say hotter summers and drier vegetation are making fires bigger, faster, and harder to contain.
For the people of Spokane, the fight is personal. Neighbors are checking on neighbors, and volunteers are handing out water, food, and pet supplies. The flames may be easing, but the recovery is just beginning.