Firefighters making big strides against a cluster of blazes near Spokane, Washington, scrambled on Wednesday to secure their gains as they anticipated a return of extremely hot, dry weather in the days ahead. Officials said crews had carved buffer lines around a trio of fires threatening the state’s second-most populous city. The blazes have destroyed hundreds of buildings and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes since Saturday.

Wildfires in eastern Washington state forced about 60,000 people to evacuate the Spokane area and destroyed at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures, authorities said…

A total of 1,000sq km (386sq miles) has burned across Washington state, and some of the fires have not been contained.

Thousands of residents evacuated as Washington wildfires spread rapidly near Spokane. Flames have destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings, impacting the local community. Fire…

The wildfires destroyed hundreds of buildings, forcing 60,000 people to flee their homes.

Climate change, combined with development in high-risk areas, is making urban wildfires more likely.