Beacon Hill wildfire forces mass evacuations as winds push flames in Spokane Valley

A fast-moving wildfire erupted on Beacon Hill near Upriver Drive in Spokane Valley, tearing through trees and burning hundreds of acres with no containment as winds pushed it east; authorities issued Level 3 evacuations for 11,750 people and threatened more than 2,300 structures. Fire crews—with air tankers, helicopters, and mutual aid from regional agencies—worked to protect homes while power was cut in some areas and a Red Cross shelter opened for evacuees. The cause is under investigation and containment is expected to take days.