A large wildfire broke out in Washington state, prompting 5,000 households to evacuate.

The Associated Press reported on the 2nd (local time) that three wildfires broke out simultaneously near Spokane, Washington's second-largest city, burning an area of more than 8.2 square miles (approx. 21 square kilometers).

The wildfires reduced about 600 homes and buildings to ashes, and forced 5,000 households to evacuate urgently.

However, no casualties have been reported yet.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency, completely banning agricultural and other open burns through the end of September, while the National Weather Service (NWS) issued red flag warnings for eastern Washington.

Benjamin Kossel, a public information officer for the federal response team deployed to the scene, described the difficulties on the ground, saying, "Both weather conditions and terrain are working against us."

A heat wave sweeping across the entire western United States has been pointed to as the cause of the wildfires.

NWS meteorologists analyzed that a high-pressure ridge has formed over a wide area stretching from Arizona to Montana, creating a "heat dome" phenomenon that traps heat close to the ground.

Forecasters warned that with the atmosphere already dried out from a previous heat wave, a fresh round of extreme heat is increasing wildfire risks across the entire West.

In addition to Washington, the NWS issued red flag warnings for eastern Oregon as well.

In the wake of the heat wave, Las Vegas, Nevada, soared to its highest temperature of the year at 115°F (46.1°C), while Phoenix, Arizona, and El Centro, California, both recorded 117°F (47.2°C).

With nighttime low temperatures expected to range from the upper 80s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (around 32°C), observations indicate that vulnerable populations will face severe hardships.

"There is simply no sign of the heat letting up even at night," said NWS meteorologist Morgan Stesman, urging citizens to stay indoors and drink plenty of fluids.

(Photo: Yonhap News)