The Spokane-area fires have scorched more than 3,200 hectares since erupting on the northern fringe of the city, home to about 230,000 residents west of the Rocky Mountain foothills near the Idaho border

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

A fast-moving US wildfire near Spokane, Washington, has forced thousands to evacuate. Learn about the emergency declaration and ongoing fire season.