Charred homes, burned out cars - before and after images show Spokane wildfire destruction

BBC Verify has matched videos posted online in the aftermath with images of the same streets before the fires to assess the damage in Washington state.

A wildfire can change direction quickly with the wind. Smoke degrades air quality miles beyond the fire line, and evacuation orders can move from voluntary to mandatory in minutes.

This report is based on information from BBC US & Canada, monitored by Alert USA's verified emergency feed.

Local impacts include a high property risk, degraded air quality across a wide radius, and travel disruptions as response and evacuation operations expand.

Recommended steps: be ready to evacuate and pack a go-bag now; close windows and bring pets indoors; monitor official evacuation orders; limit outdoor activity if smoke is present.

Alert USA is tracking this wildfire and will update this report as verified information becomes available.

Verified by Alert USA • BBC US & CANADA