Wildfires spreading across more than 250,000 acres in Washington state have forced evacuations and caused power outages around the Spokane area, prompting the governor to declare a statewide emergency. The fires highlight the growing wildfire risk facing the western United States, with authorities moving quickly to protect residents and property in one of the state's most populous regions.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared the emergency and a statewide burn ban on Saturday morning, saying the state faced "a very serious situation with multiple fires" and expressing sympathy for those losing their homes. Officials reported no injuries or fatalities so far. Spokane, the state's second most populous city, has been among the areas most affected by evacuations and outages.