Washington State wildfires

Wildfires are raging across much of central Washington state. Three firefighters were killed when they were overtaken by fire near the town of Twisp, in north central Washington. These photos document the battle and the unusual scenes created by the raging fires. These photos were shot for seattlepi.com and Hearst Newspapers. You can see the full collection here.

Below, firefighters work to control a quickly spreading blaze on the outskirts of the town of Twisp, Washington.

A hillside above the Twisp River valley burns near homes.

Firefighters and first responders from Aero Methow Rescue Service salute as the bodies of three deceased firefighters are driven past in a procession from the scene of a raging fire in Twisp, Washington.

A lone firefighter stands on a scorched ridge where three firefighters were killed the day before.

Fire illuminates a column of smoke and lenticular clouds high overhead on the night of Thursday, August 20.

The Twisp River runs a deep red after an aerial retardant drop from an aircraft landed in the river.

Destruction from the central Washington fires is shown in Chelan and Twisp.

After the deaths of the firefighters, people expressed their feelings toward those working long hours protecting homes and property.