Fast-moving wildfires in Washington destroy hundreds of homes: "Worst natural disaster our region has faced" - CBS News

Fast-moving wildfires driven by strong winds and high temperatures have destroyed more than 600 homes, businesses and other buildings around Spokane in eastern Washington, forcing roughly 60,000 people to evacuate.
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown called it the "worst natural disaster our region has faced," as three major fires burned: the Old Trails Fire, which began Saturday, the Fairview Fire, and the Autumn Lane Fire, which absorbed the former Meadowview Fire.
About 12 square miles had burned as of Sunday evening with no containment reported, and the smoke prompted state air quality warnings across the region.
Spokane homeowner Joe Cvancara saved his house from the Fairview Fire by digging around its perimeter, describing "survivor's guilt" as only six of 15 homes in his area survived; his family fled with a suitcase of photo albums after police ordered them out.
Roughly 4,000 people were involved in firefighting efforts, according to Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, who called it "an extraordinary fire season in the Pacific Northwest."
Officials expected cooler temperatures Monday and Tuesday, but warned of a return to the mid-to-high 90s later in the week with low humidity, and named the Autumn Lane Fire the top priority given its potential to spread rapidly.