华盛顿州正在与大规模野火灾害作斗争，约15场主要火灾正在全州蔓延[1]。这场灾难已造成60,000人被迫撤离，至少600座建筑被毁或受损[1]。人口230,000的斯波坎市成为受灾最严重的地区，该市周边有三场火灾同时燃烧[1]。
州长Bob Ferguson已宣布进入紧急状态，并向联邦政府请求援助[1]。此次野火的成因包括创纪录的干旱、异常高温和强风等极端天气[1]。华盛顿州正经历第四个连续的创纪录干旱年[1]。为应对火灾风险，州政府已禁止大部分燃烧活动至9月[1]。
Washington state is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, with approximately 15 major fires spreading across the state.[1] The disaster has forced 60,000 people to evacuate their homes and destroyed or damaged at least 600 buildings.[1] Spokane, a city of 230,000 residents, has been hit particularly hard, with three fires burning in the area.[1]
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency in response to the unfolding catastrophe.[1] The state government has attributed the fires to extreme weather conditions, including a record-breaking drought—the fourth consecutive year Washington has experienced such conditions—combined with unusually high temperatures and strong winds.[1] In an effort to prevent further ignitions, state authorities have banned most burning activities through September.[1] The governor has also requested assistance from the federal government to combat the crisis.[1]