Authorities say wildfires in eastern Washington state forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area, including patients at its U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital, while destroying at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures

There are at least three fires in and around the city. Large parts of Spokane are under Level 3 evacuation orders, which read: "Leave NOW! This may be your only notice."

Washington is facing a destructive fire season, with wildfires burning about 425,000 acres, according to officials.