SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) – High winds have exacerbated a wildfire situation in Spokane, prompting the evacuation of about 1,200 residents and leading to potential damage to or destruction of up to 15 structures. This alarming event has been confirmed by local fire officials who are actively addressing the blaze.

The wildfire, named the Upriver Fire, ignited at 12:17 p.m. on Tuesday near Upriver Drive in northeast Spokane. According to Robert Gray, the spokesman for Fire District 9, the fire quickly advanced uphill. Once it reached the summit, a shift in wind direction caused it to spread directly into the Northwoods neighborhood, affecting many homes and families in the area.

Fire crews from both Washington State and Idaho have mobilized to combat the fire. They have employed both ground crews and aerial fire-fighting tactics in their effort to contain the destructive flames. Despite these efforts, the blaze expanded significantly, measuring approximately 225 acres, or 0.35 square miles, by the time of the reporting from the National Interagency Fire Center.

As of Wednesday morning, the fire was reported to be only 10 percent contained, underscoring the challenges faced by emergency responders. Isabelle Hoygaard, a spokesperson from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, indicated that while the wind had diminished overnight, the fire still posed a threat of further expansion due to the continued ground burning.

With fire crews working diligently to control the situation, the community remains on alert as the risk of continued growth is still present. The situation has highlighted the volatile nature of wildfires, particularly in areas where weather conditions can rapidly change and the risk to local neighborhoods becomes imminent.

Residents and officials are preparing for various outcomes, and the cooperation between state and local firefighting resources is critical as they navigate the complexities of this wildfire. The Upriver Fire serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by wildfires, especially in regions prone to high winds and dry conditions.