Wildfires scorch Washington state as thousands evacuated and emergency declared

Wildfires across more than 250,000 acres have forced evacuations and caused power outages in the Washington state's Spokane area, US officials said.

Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency and burn ban on Saturday morning.

"Our state is facing a very serious situation with multiple fires, and our hearts go out to Washingtonians who are losing their homes", Ferguson said.

According to officials, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Spokane is the state's second most populous city.