As the sun reached its peak on Friday, a wind-driven wildfire in eastern Washington state began to wreak havoc on the small town of Medical Lake. By the next morning, it had already destroyed at least 185 structures, leaving a trail of destruction and displacement in its wake. Authorities scrambled to contain the inferno, but the inferno roared on, consuming everything in its path.
The fire began on the west side of Medical Lake, about 15 miles west of Spokane, and quickly spread, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. By the time daybreak arrived on Saturday, the flames had engulfed nearly 15 square miles of land, with no containment in sight.
The burned structures were a mix of homes and outbuildings, leaving many residents scrambling to flee the advancing flames. Evacuations were ordered for the town as winds blew the fire southward, and by Saturday evening, authorities had extended the evacuation zone southeast to the nearby town of Tyler.
Among those forced to flee was Spokane city councilman Zack Zappone, whose parents received an evacuation alert on their phones while driving into town. They rushed back to their home to rescue their dogs, only to find their neighborhood engulfed in a giant cloud of smoke and darkness.
“My stepmom said it was a giant cloud of smoke and darkness,” Zappone recalled. “Embers were falling from the sky. She was having trouble breathing.”
The fire swept through the neighborhood, destroying Zappone’s parents’ home and his uncle’s home, just two houses away. The family had lived in the area since 2003 and had finally paid off the mortgage just last year.
“It’s shocking,” Zappone said, still reeling from the devastation. “I’m just in disbelief.”
Raging wildfire devastates medical lake washingtonAs the fire continued to rage, it jumped Interstate 90 on Friday night, forcing the closure of the major east-west thoroughfare. By Saturday evening, the highway remained shut in both directions as the fire continued to burn on both sides of the road.
Tragically, at least one person was confirmed killed in the blaze, although further details about the fatality were not immediately released.
For those at Eastern state hospital and Lakeland Village residential habilitation center, both located in Medical Lake, the fire brought a sense of uncertainty and confinement. Staff, patients, and residents were sheltering in place, awaiting word on the safety of their homes and communities.
Evacuees from the town were provided shelter at a local high school, as authorities worked to contain the inferno and uncover its cause. Washington’s governor, Jay Inslee, offered words of support and condolence, pledging to keep the first responders safe as they battled the blaze.
As the Gray Fire continues to burn, its path of destruction serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of vigilance in the face of adversity.