Arson Arrest Made Over Washington State's Largest Wildfire
A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the largest of several wildfires near Spokane, Washington, which have displaced over 60,000 residents and destroyed hundreds of structures.
Authorities in Washington state have arrested a man in connection with the largest wildfire currently threatening the city of Spokane. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci, a local resident. According to officials, he was allegedly observed kneeling close to dry grass at the scene of the fire and was later found carrying matches and a lighter.
The arrest relates to the so-called Old Trails fire, one of three major blazes that have been burning around Spokane since the weekend. Together, the fires have forced more than 60,000 people from their homes. As of Monday, over 700 buildings in the affected area had been destroyed, with another 400 still awaiting damage assessment. Thousands of acres have also been scorched.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as a "nightmare," adding that it is likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane's history. The city's mayor, Lisa Brown, warned that there is still potential for loss of life, though no deaths or injuries have been confirmed so far. She also said it is too early to determine when evacuees might be able to return to their homes.
Authorities are currently trying to reach 14 individuals who have not responded to mobile phone contact. Sheriff John Nowels said it is probable that these people were able to evacuate but either lost cellular signal or had dead phone batteries. They are not being treated as missing at this time.
In addition to the three fires near Spokane, a total of 16 wildfires are burning across Washington state, according to the state's department of natural resources. Firefighters have managed to make progress on two of the blazes, but while cooler temperatures and lighter winds are expected on Tuesday, forecasts indicate that heat may intensify again later in the week.
Farinacci is being held on a first-degree arson charge, with bail set at $1 million (approximately £744,150). The sheriff's office noted that Farinacci has a previous conviction for manslaughter.
