Eastern Washington faces a terrifying wildfire menace as the Gray Fire blazes through, engulfing 500 acres near Medical Lake. Immediate evacuation orders have been sounded, with homes under threat and two key medical centers enforcing emergency sheltering measures.

Spokane County Fire District 10’s alarming announcement on social media highlights the wildfire’s aggressive spread, pushing residents into a frantic escape mode. Evacuations have specifically targeted those in and around Medical Lake, and notably the southern precincts of the city.

Amid the fiery chaos, two major health centers – Eastern State Hospital and the Lakeland Village Residential Habilitation Center – have initiated crucial shelter-in-place strategies. Norah West from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services voiced their active precautionary stance, acknowledging the pressing situation: “We’re tracking developments closely,” West informed CNN.

To combat the ferocious flames and stall the Gray Fire’s relentless march, Spokane County Fire District 10 has rolled out a multi-pronged approach, calling in aircraft backup. Their goal? A swift containment to prevent any tragic outcomes.

Thus far, there’s a sliver of relief: no casualties have been documented, according to Sarah Jydstrup of Spokane County Fire District 10. For geographical context, the firestorm’s epicenter, Medical Lake, is a mere 15 miles from Spokane.

In a broader picture, Canada isn’t faring any better. Over 200 wildfires have ignited mass evacuations in the nation’s Northwest Territories capital. Residents face perilous roadways or endure prolonged waits for vital emergency flights. British Columbia too is neck-deep in evacuation operations.

  Medical Lake, Spokane County Fire District 10, USA, Washington