These images show some of the destruction caused by huge wildfires in Washington state, which have so far left at least two people dead and 185 buildings destroyed.
The first piece of footage shows the wildfire on Oregon Road, in Elk, in the US state of Washington, with trees on fire and thick smoke blocking out the sky as a fire truck pulls up.
The images were obtained from the Spokane Valley Fire Department today, on Monday, 21st August, along with a statement saying: “A first-hand look at the terrifying conditions as SVFD Firefighter Martinez, Firefighter Sutherland and Firefighter McCoury in Valley Engine 15 work to protect the Grange Hall in Elk during the Oregon Road Fire Saturday morning.”
The second piece of footage was obtained from the Spokane Valley Fire Department on Saturday, 19th August, and shows the view from a helicopter flying over the wildfires in the state.
The bleak images show huge blazes, entire swathes of forest on fire, with thick black smoke causing reduced visibility in all directions.
The Spokane Valley Fire Department footage from 19th August came with a statement saying: “This video was taken aboard Rescue Helicopter 3 by a Spokane Valley Fire Department Firefighter, who is member of the SRASU Team, last night as they were returning to Felts Field from the Fire Command Post in Medical Lake.
“SVFD currently has personnel and resources assisting with the Gray Fire, as well as the Oregon Road Fire in Elk, WA. We have Firefighters working overtime to staff all of our fire stations to make sure our community is fully protected.
“Our hearts are with members of the communities affected by these fires and the Firefighters working so hard to protect them.” (sic)
The third piece of footage, obtained from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on Sunday, 20th August, shows the fires on the edge of Interstate 90.
The WSDOT said: “More video from inside the closure of I-90 just west of the Salnave/SR902 interchange from our Incident Response Team.
“At this time we still do not have an ETA to reopen I-90 between Sprague and Spokane. Expect long detours if you plan to travel.”
Local media reported that at least two people have died and 185 buildings have been destroyed as a result of the fires.
The US National Weather Service issued alerts for huge parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana on Friday.
Local officials have said that around 10,000 acres burned in just a single day outside of Spokane.
Entire towns have been forced to evacuate due to erratic behaviour from the fires, as a result of low humidity and high winds.