Thousands evacuate as wind-driven wildfires explode near Spokane amid rare fire weather emergency. Multiple wind-driven wildfires are burning along Spokane's western and northwestern flank as extreme fire weather pushes flames toward neighborhoods on the edge of Washington's second-largest city. Gov. Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency and issued a burn ban through Sept. 30. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate as multiple wildfires race across the Spokane area. The Washington National Guard has mobilized troops to assist with evacuations, traffic control and firefighting support.