US northwest wildfires force 65,000 to flee as hundreds of buildings burn in Spokane

Wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest have forced approximately 65,000 residents to flee Washington state's second-largest city, Spokane, after destroying up to 1,100 structures. The blazes, driven by a combination of severe drought, extreme heat, and strong winds, tore through the region and prompted officials to declare the event the worst natural disaster in Spokane's history.

Firefighting crews made progress against several of the active blazes on Monday following the intense period of destruction. The fires have resulted in widespread structural loss and mass evacuations across the area.