SPOKANE — A wildfire driven by high winds moved into a residential neighborhood in eastern Washington, destroying at least 15 homes and prompting the evacuation of approximately 1,500 people. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office forensic unit discovered what appeared to be human remains inside a burned home, and authorities are working to confirm if the remains are human and to identify the individual and cause of death.

The fire started just after noon on Tuesday, and wind shifts directed the flames into the neighborhood. Spokane Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief John Leavell spotted the fire while driving near Interstate 90. Leavell contacted surrounding agencies after finding a house fully engulfed in flames, stating, "As I approached it, I thought this is going to be a big event — this is going fast." He added, "It looked like waves of fire going up the hill."

A family member requested a wellness check for a home destroyed by the fire after a resident refused to evacuate. Authorities reported no injuries from the fire. By Wednesday morning, the fire had spread across 225 acres with 10 percent containment. The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation.

Fire crews from Washington and Idaho deployed ground and aerial resources to combat the blaze. Avista discontinued power service in the affected area to ensure firefighter safety. The Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized Fire Management Assistance Grant funds to assist with firefighting costs, awarding its first fire grant of the season for a Washington wildfire.

The evacuation order for 1,500 residents remained in effect on Wednesday, according to Chandra Fox, deputy director for Spokane County Emergency Management. Officers escorted evacuated residents to their homes one at a time on Wednesday to retrieve essential items before returning them outside the evacuation zone. Fox said, "Our concern is for increased winds Wednesday afternoon."

The fire posed a threat to a school, power lines, parks, businesses, and wildlife. Winds were lighter on Wednesday and projected to decrease after sunset. Temperatures decreased from the mid-80s on Tuesday to a high of 80 degrees on Wednesday.