A lightning-caused wildfire has burned more than 68,000 acres on the Colville Indian Reservation near Nespelem, Washington, destroying homes, vehicles, and sacred tribal sites. The fire also damaged graves and forced about 1,000 people to evacuate.
Forecasters say Eastern Washington is likely headed for an unusually active wildfire season after low snowpack and early drying of vegetation created conditions that favor fire spread. Officials are urging residents to prepare homes, evacuation plans, and smoke precautions now.
Smoke from Central Washington wildfires pushed into Spokane on Thursday, raising air quality to unhealthy for sensitive groups and likely lingering into Friday. Forecasters cited the Labor Mountain and Lower Sugarloaf fires and gusty winds as primary drivers, with conditions expected to ease slightly Friday.
Wildfires in Western states have razed structures, displaced residents and altered air quality - and fundamentally changed the relationship between Native women and the land they have historically stewarded.
Wildfires have already begun to take hold across Washington in the wake of record heat both east and west of the Cascades. Responders are currently battling a 31-square-mile fire in Adams County, after getting sparked in the town of Lind on Sunday morning. The fast-moving brush fire has been threatening homes and vital infrastructure.
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