New Delhi, June 18 -- Strong winds fueled a wildfire that spread into a residential area in eastern Washington, prompting the evacuation of approximately 1,500 residents and destroying at least 15 homes, authorities said on Wednesday.

During a press conference, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated that a family member had reported one person missing. However, emergency crews were unable to enter the affected area to search for them because the fire conditions remained too hazardous on Wednesday afternoon, reported AP.

"They have a location to look but it's not safe to look there at the moment," Nowels stated.

According to Sheriff John Nowels, many residents of the densely populated neighbourhoods were forced to evacuate with littl...