Live updates: Spokane wildfires destroy 600+ structures as thousands remain under evacuation

Live updates: Spokane wildfires destroy 600+ structures as thousands remain under evacuation

11:44 AM ET — At least 600 structures destroyed as Spokane-area wildfires continue to spread
Officials say at least 600 structures have been destroyed as multiple fast-moving wildfires tore through neighborhoods, forcing thousands of residents to flee. The total includes homes, businesses and other buildings damaged or destroyed by the flames, though authorities caution the number could rise as crews gain access to burned areas.

12:45 PM ET — Charred vehicles and structures reduced to rubble amid ongoing fire emergency
The latest damage assessment shows more than 600 structures have been destroyed as the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires continue to burn across eastern Washington. Thousands of residents remain under evacuation orders while firefighters work to gain the upper hand on the blazes.

2:14 PM ET — 3 major Spokane-area wildfires continue to grow as firefighting efforts intensify
The Old Trails Fire has grown to more than 3,600 acres after racing through grass, brush and residential neighborhoods northwest of Spokane. It continues to threaten thousands of structures and remains 0% contained.
The Autumn Lane Fire, burning near Nine Mile Falls, has also grown rapidly, expanding to more than 4,300 acres. Hundreds of firefighters are assigned to the blaze as crews work to protect nearby homes and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Fairview Fire near Mead has surpassed 1,000 acres and also remains 0% contained, with firefighters continuing structure protection efforts as the fire burns through dry fuels.
Combined, the three fires have burned more than 7,500 acres, destroyed hundreds of structures and forced thousands of residents from their homes.

5:03 PM ET — Over 700 structures confirmed destroyed as damage assessments continue
The destruction from the Spokane-area wildfires continues, with officials now confirming more than 700 structures have been destroyed across the region.
Fire officials cautioned that the final toll could climb significantly, saying as many as 1,100 structures may have been lost, though crews are still conducting damage assessments and working to determine the full extent of the devastation.
During a press briefing, officials said the Autumn Lane Fire remains their top priority because of its continued threat to homes and nearby communities.
They also confirmed that more than 60,000 residents were evacuated as the fast-moving wildfires tore through eastern Washington.

11:57 AM ET — Fire officials warn drones are disrupting aerial firefighting operations
The California Interagency Incident Management Team, which is helping manage the response, said crews tracked 26 drone incursions Monday within the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) covering the three active wildfires.
Officials say drones pose a serious safety risk to firefighting aircraft. If a drone is spotted inside the restricted airspace, the incident commander must immediately ground water-dropping helicopters and air tankers until the area is deemed safe.
Authorities say flying a drone inside a wildfire TFR can result in fines of up to $10,000.