VIDEO/PHOTOS: Hundreds of people are evacuating, including the entire town of Nespelem, after lightning sparked a wildfire in Okanogan County overnight, officials said.
The explosive wildfire is located about 15 miles north of Coulee Dam on the Colville Indian Reservation, and is threatening homes, businesses, outbuildings and tribal facilities.
About 500 people are rushing to escape the approaching flames.
One of the evacuees, Daniel Nanamkin, tells KOMO News that he watched in horror as the fire crested over the hillside to the east of town and began moving closer and closer. The fire is burning so hot he says it's producing a lot of embers - flying up in the air and causing more fires upon landing.