In the Columbia River Gorge near The Dalles (Dals), Oregon, a rapidly advancing grass fire that started Tuesday afternoon prompted mandatory evacuation orders for dozens of area residents Tuesday afternoon.

U.S. Forestry Service Columbia River Gorge officials said the fire had burned up to 3 square miles (7.8 square kilometres).

Multiple TV stations that sent helicopters to the area showed footage of what appeared to be a home and other structures burning.

A shelter for evacuees was opened at The Dalles Middle School.

A small but fast-moving wildfire in Spokane prompted evacuation notices for more than 700 homes, authorities said Tuesday.

The so-called Upriver Beacon Fire, which was less than 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometres), broke out near a residential area.

Several homes caught fire, according to Spokane Valley Fire Department spokeswoman Melanie Rose.

State officials said at least one structure had been completely destroyed.