Eastern Washington fires have burned 600 structures and forced the evacuation of 5,000 homes

Wildfires in eastern Washington state have burned about 600 structures and forced the evacuation of about 5,000 homes.

The fires around Spokane have burned more than 8.2 square miles and are among dozens across the western U.S. stretching agency resources.

No deaths have been reported in the Spokane-area fires, which include the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire, and the Meadowview Fire.

Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency Saturday, and the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for eastern Washington.

Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph and dry conditions are expected to continue, exacerbating fire conditions.