Fast-moving wildfires driven by strong winds and soaring temperatures have destroyed more than 600 homes, businesses and other buildings in the Spokane area in eastern Washington state, fire officials said. About 60,000 people had to evacuate in what Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown called the "worst natural disaster our region has faced." A line of burned out homes and a car smolder in the Balboa neighborhood of Spokane, Washington, on Aug. 2, 2026. "An extraordinary fire season"Some 4,000 people were involved in firefighting efforts in the state, Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove said at a news conference. People watch the Old Trails Fire from W. Northwest Blvd., on Aug. 1, 2026, in Spokane, Washington.