The wildfires in north central Washington have taken the lives of three firefighters and injured at least three others with one in serious condition on Wednesday night.
Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers had confirmed the deaths occurred near Twisp, but had not released any further details in respect to the family of the victims, Fox News reported.
Authorities said one of the firefighters is in critical condition at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
"My heart breaks over the loss of life. I know all Washington joins me and Trudi in sending our prayers to the families of these brave firefighters. They gave their lives to protect others. It was their calling, but the loss for their families is immense," Gov. Jay Inslee said in a written statement, according to the Associated Press.
The news came after a wildfire broke off near the scenic Methow River valley and the outdoor-recreation centers of Twisp and Wintrop about 115 miles northeast of Seattle. The fire fighters were trying to evacuate the residents of nearby towns, which could be about 1,300 combined.
Firefighters are still battling wildfires raging south, which is about 108 square miles and a threat to the resort town of Chelan. The town of Concully, home to 200 residents, has earlier been evacuated, according to NBC News.
