Spokane Fire Evacuations Could Be in Place for “Many Many” Days
As frustrations grow in Spokane, Officials caution it could be days before evacuees get to return.
Spokane County Sheriff Says It Could be Many Many Days
846 structures were destroyed, and nearly 60,000 people evacuated from their homes due to the three fires that ripped through Spokane last weekend.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels says due to fire crews tamping out hot spots, and working to bring the three fires under control, people will have to wait a while to go home.
Delays Expected in Return to Homes
Nowels says fire crews will not be downgrading the fire zones anytime soon, it will be a matter of days. He told MyNorthwest.com:
“We have many, many encounters with citizens who are angry. They’re trying to push past. We really need to have this kind of behavior stop.”
1,500 firefighters from 23 states are working to secure firelines and bring them under control for the Old Trails Fire, the Autumn Lane and Fairview Fires, which Officials say are initially contained, The Old Trails and Autumn Lane are 13 percent contained, Fairview 5 percent. The Old Trails fire has an arson suspect in custody, one of the others possibly accidentally triggered.
Various Figures on Evacuations
The total number of evacuations vary, from at least 60,000 to as high as 65,000. Despite forecasts of more hot, dry weather, the total volume of the 3 fires only grew 2 acres in the last 24 hours leading into Thursday.
LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades
Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF
