A rapidly spreading wildfire has prompted evacuation orders across parts of Spokane County, Washington, as firefighters battle the blaze amid dangerous weather conditions.

Authorities issued Level 3 evacuation orders for several communities affected by the Old Trails Fire, instructing residents to leave immediately because of the immediate threat to life.

An emergency shelter has been established at a local community college to accommodate those forced to evacuate.

The wildfire has been intensified by extreme fire weather, prompting Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to declare a statewide burn ban on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning for Central and Eastern Washington from 11am to 9pm, highlighting an elevated risk of fast-moving and destructive wildfires under severe weather conditions.