Wildfires tear through Washington state

Devastation in Spokane [0:03]

• Hundreds of homes, businesses, and buildings have been destroyed by wildfires in Spokane, Washington.
• Ash and debris now cover the ground where homes once stood.
• Three wildfires, dubbed the Spokane Complex, are burning over 5,000 acres.

  "The haunting images coming in tonight."

The Old Trails Fire and Record Season [0:33]

• The largest of the fires is the fast-moving Old Trails, which ignited on Saturday.
• Washington is experiencing a record-breaking wildfire season, exacerbated by drought conditions.
• Over 1,000 fires have burned in the state this year.

  "This is the state has been experiencing a record-breaking wildfire season, driven in part by drought conditions."

Explosive Conditions and Evacuations [1:00]

• At least 600 homes have been damaged or destroyed.
• Firefighters describe conditions as "explosive," with a red flag warning issued on Saturday.
• Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate, many without power.

  "When you have conditions like yesterday, it's not going to stop. It's not going to slow anything down. You just got to go."

Personal Loss and Overwhelmed Firefighters [1:40]

• Eric Frank's home, which he had lived in since 1980, was reduced to ashes.
• Firefighters could not protect burning homes and focused on life safety.
• Entire streets were left decimated, with gas mains still open and cars burned out.

  "I'm so tired. I couldn't see my feet. And I had to feel my way down the ladder because everything just turned black."

State of Emergency and Aid [2:18]

• Washington's governor declared a state of emergency.
• Firefighters from other states, including California, are arriving to assist.
• Many residents have lost everything in a short period.

  "There are just so many Washingtonians who have literally lost everything in a very, very short period of time."

Widespread Wildfires in the West [2:44]

• Tens of thousands of Spokane residents are without power.
• Dozens of large fires are burning across the Pacific Northwest, fueled by drought and extreme wind.
• Oregon is facing what could be its worst wildfire season on record, with over half the state in severe drought.

  "And, Lindsay, so many of the homes look like this tonight. Little remaining, only a chimney and swimming pool, home after home like this."

A Stark Contrast [3:14]

• The unpredictable nature of the fires is highlighted by a home next door that was almost completely untouched.
• The homeowner expressed disbelief that her house was still standing and okay.

  "This shows you the power. As the winds came through, pushing flames, one home okay, the other not."