Wildfires around Spokane, Washington, have caused an unprecedented level of destruction in a city accustomed to summer fire risks, forcing nearly a quarter of residents to evacuate. The fires crossed a river normally seen as a natural barrier, leaving many people who expected a short evacuation returning to destroyed homes; despite the damage, no deaths or major injuries have been reported.

About 65,000 people have been evacuated, around 900 buildings are believed destroyed, and some residents may be unable to return for weeks. Firefighters are tackling three major blazes, each less than 40% contained, while authorities begin recovery work; anger has also grown after police charged a local man alleged to have started one fire.