Smoke from multiple wildfires continues to hang over the mountains of central and eastern Washington as firefighting helicopters actively work to contain the blazes. Aerial footage shows thick plumes rising from the forests, with helicopters scooping water from nearby lakes and returning to the fire lines.

National Guard crews are engaged in water-dropping operations while firefighters reinforce containment lines. Cooler weather has recently helped slow the spread of the fires.

Officials have warned that hotter, drier, and windier conditions expected later this week could complicate firefighting efforts.

The fires around Spokane have destroyed hundreds of buildings and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Authorities have stated that all three major fires were started by people and remain under investigation.

Sources