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At least 600 structures damaged in Washington state wildfires


A wildfire burning northwest of downtown Spokane, Washington, has damaged more than 600 structures as officials continue to assess the destruction.

The fire is listed at 5,390 acres as of Sunday, according to Benjamin Cossel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who told NBC News officials were still working to determine the full scope of the damage.

Wildfire smoke is seen in the distance beyond trees
Wildfire smoke in Spokane, Wash., on Saturday.Tyler Vanwert via Reuters

Authorities confirmed that more than 600 structures have been damaged, but they have not yet determined how many were homes, businesses or schools.

The blazes, officially called the Spokane Area Fires, are being managed as three separate incidents: the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire and the Autumn Lane Fire.

The California Interagency Incident Management Teams assumed command of the fires after arriving Saturday night. The federal agency specializes in managing complex wildland-urban fires, where flames threaten homes and other development, team officials said in an interview with NBC affiliate KHQ of Spokane.

Officials said evacuation areas will remain closed until authorities determine it is safe for residents to return.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.



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