BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Whatcom County woke up Monday to smoke from wildfires burning east of the Cascades.
More than 100,000 acres have been burned statewide as evacuation orders are in place in multiple counties in the central part of the state.
The small town of Malden south of Yakima was almost completely destroyed.
The Whitman County Sheriff says 80% of the town’s structures were destroyed including the fire station, City Hall, post office and library.
No injuries are reported.
Dangerous fire fighting conditions are expected to continue Monday and Tuesday.
The Air Now air quality index as of Monday morning for Whatcom and Skagit Counties puts the pollution level at moderate, meaning residents should consider reducing your activity level or shorten outdoor activities.
Snohomish and King Counties are listed as unhealthy, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air Now puts the Whatcom County air quality forecast for tomorrow as “good”.
