Okanogan Complex fire the largest in Washington state history

A massive fire burning in north-central Washington is now the largest in the state's history, and is impacting communities in B.C.

The massiveOkanoganComplex of wildfiresweremeasured overnight at just over 1,000 square kilometres, said Washington state fire spokesman RickIsaacsonon Monday.

The fires grew by more than 67 square kilometres on Sunday and are expected to spread even more in coming days.

Smoke from the fires could be seen from across southern British Columbia, prompting asmoky skies advisory for most of the region.

• Smoky skies advisories remain in place for southern B.C.

Thewildfires are slightly bigger than theCarltonfires of 2014, which also burned inOkanoganCounty anddestroyed an estimated 300 homes.

Isaacson warned the fire could burn for several more months. Officials are still trying to determine how many homes and other structures have been destroyed.

About 1,250 people are battling the fires. Last week, three firefighters were killed and four injured nearTwisp, Wash.

• Washington state wildfires blamed for 3 firefighter deaths

Another set of fires in Washington state, called the Kettle Complex, was threatening the southern B.C. communities of Grand Forks and Christina Lake late last week.

That fire, last estimated at 190square kilometres and only 15 per cent contained, is about five kilometres south of the Canadian border.

B.C. Wildfire Services has sent in firefighting crews to help battle the fires.

(The Okanogan region in Washington state uses a different spelling than the Okanagan region of B.C. The name derives from the Okanagan language place name uknaqn.)