Washington wildfires scorch 250,000 acres, cut power to 60,000

Wildfires burning across Washington state have charred more than 250,000 acres, forced evacuations in Spokane and left 60,000 utility customers without power. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and ordered a broad outdoor burn ban as high winds and heat were expected to worsen conditions through the weekend. State officials said about 4,000 people were fighting more than a dozen fires. In Spokane, the Old Trails Fire grew to roughly 3,500 acres and threatened about 4,000 structures after moving into the city area. Major facilities, including a Veterans Affairs hospital and water and waste plants, were evacuated. Officials said no deaths or injuries had been confirmed as of Friday evening.