Washington's Upriver Fire forces evacuations of 12,000 residents

The Upriver Fire, a fast‑moving wildfire east of Spokane, Washington, has burned more than 220 acres and prompted mandatory evacuations for roughly 12,000 people. The blaze is part of an early‑season surge of fires across the state, driven by a statewide drought emergency, a strong dry cold front, and high wind gusts that have created red‑flag conditions.

Other large fires burning in Washington include the Omak Lake Road/Kartar fire complex on the Colville Reservation (about 6,500 acres), the Tule Fire near Yakima (about 20,665 acres), and the Juniper Dunes Fire in Franklin County (over 10,500 acres). Smoke from these blazes is affecting air quality locally, though north‑central Washington remains in the "Good" category as prevailing winds push most smoke eastward toward the Tri‑Cities and Walla Walla.

Fire officials note that dry conditions and wind are expected to persist, keeping the risk of rapid fire spread high throughout the week.