Wildfire Destroys Dozens of Buildings, Forces Mass Evacuations in Washington

Red Flag Warnings in effect across much of Washington State, as wildfire forces 1,000 people to flee

A fast-moving wildfire fueled by high temperatures and strong winds has destroyed dozens of building, including homes, in Wenatchee in central Washington, about 200km east of Seattle.

The so-called Sleepy Hollow fire ignited in grass just outside Wenatchee on Sunday afternoon forcing residents of about 450 homes to flee.

The blaze had consumed more than 3,000 acres, as of posting.

State of Emergency

Gov. Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency for Washington in May due to the snowpack being at historic lows, dwindling rivers and irrigation districts being forced to cut off water to farmers.

Statement from Gov. Inslee about the Sleepy Hollow fire in Wenatchee

“Yet again, our state is experiencing a catastrophic wildfire that has displaced families and shut down businesses …”

Read statement here!