Fox News Flash top headlines for August 18
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
Washington state officials declared a state of emergency in Spokane County Saturday afternoon, and thousands of residents across the state have been evacuating their homes amid destructive wildfires.
At least one person has died due to what's being called the Gray Fire, which broke out Friday afternoon, according to Fox Weather.
The blaze escalated from 200 acres in size to 3,000 acres by Friday evening, FOX 13 Seattle reported.
It is burning near Medical Lake, which is located southwest of Spokane. The fire was 0% contained as of Saturday afternoon and has spread across at least 9,500 acres.
The Gray Fire, which broke out Friday afternoon, escalated from 200 acres in size to 3,000 acres. (KREM)
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) reported that power is still out in parts of Medical Lake, and at least 185 buildings have been destroyed by the blaze.
"Please honor Level 3 evac, not doing so is hindering response," the WADNR said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Level 3 urges residents in danger to "go now," while Level 2 means "be ready."
The Gray Fire is burning near Medical Lake, which is located north of Spokane. (KREM )
Four Lakes and Medical Lake residents are being urged to evacuate, according to Spokane County Fire District 10. Parts of Interstate 90 are closed between the Four Lakes Interchange and Salnave Road, FOX 13 reported.
The WADNR reported that the weather is "problematic" for firefighting efforts with dry conditions and hot temperatures. The fire is burning dry grass, timber and wheat.
At least 185 buildings have been destroyed by the Gray Fire. (KREM )
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
A Red Cross evacuation site was set up at Spokane Falls Community College, and large animals are being held at the Spokane Fairgrounds.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
