Spokane Valley wildfires destroy homes, force evacuations

NWCN.com Staff and Associated Press Video: Wildfires burning in Eastern Wash. prompt emergency declaration SPOKANE, Wash. - A 1,200-acre wildfire fanned by winds gusting to 50 mph has destroyed at least 13 homes and one other structure in a heavily wooded part of the suburban Spokane Valley. The Valley View Fire forced more than 200 residents to evacuate their homes. There were no reports of deaths or injuries. Firefighters from around the state on Friday renewed the battle against the blaze and a dozen other wildfires burning across central and eastern Washington. After hot, dry winds fanned fires Thursday in the Spokane area and in Ferry, Lincoln, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties in northeast Washington, winds and temperatures were both down on Friday morning. The National Weather Service says winds will be light, compared... [read full story]