Massive wildfires have spread across more than 7,000 acres in the U.S. state of Washington, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Three major fires have burned through the region, destroying more than 700 homes, businesses, and other structures.

As the fast-moving flames continue to spread, approximately 65,000 residents in the Spokane area have been evacuated to safer locations. In response to the worsening situation, Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a statewide emergency.

Firefighters are struggling to contain the blazes due to dry weather conditions and strong winds. Nearly 8.2 square miles (about 21 square kilometers) have burned in and around Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city.

At the same time, multiple wildfires continue to rage across several western U.S. states, with federal, state, and local agencies working together to battle the flames.

Authorities said more than 7,000 acres have been affected by wildfires across Washington, while several fires, including those near Spokane, remain uncontained. Patients from the Spokane Veterans Affairs Hospital have also been evacuated as a precaution.

Videos from the affected areas show buildings engulfed in flames, thick black smoke covering residential neighborhoods, and many homes reduced to ashes, with only chimneys left standing.

Officials warned that weather conditions are unlikely to improve in the coming days. Speaking at a news conference, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell said, “We are not out of danger yet. The next few days will be very challenging.”

Meanwhile, firefighting crews in western Idaho and eastern Oregon have been battling wildfires for a tenth consecutive day using bulldozers and helicopters. Nearly 525 square miles (about 1,360 square kilometers) of grassland have already burned there.

In the ranching region, more than 700 homes and nearly 800 additional structures remain under threat from the advancing fires.

Weather forecasts indicate that dry and sunny conditions will persist throughout the week, with temperatures expected to exceed 90°F (32°C) on Wednesday. Officials believe the wildfires were likely sparked by lightning strikes.

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued air quality alerts for eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, western and central Idaho, and western Montana.

In addition, high wildfire risk warnings have been issued for parts of Utah, Montana, and western Nebraska, while excessive heat warnings remain in effect for parts of Arizona, California, southern Nevada, and northern Montana.

The three major active wildfires near Spokane—Old Trails Fire, Fairview Fire, and Meadowview Fire—continue to burn, prompting statewide air quality concerns.

Amid the deteriorating conditions, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on Saturday, while the National Weather Service issued a “particularly dangerous situation” wildfire warning for eastern Washington.