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Man arrested for arson as Spokane wildfires rage, displacing thousands

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • US authorities arrested a man on suspicion of arson in connection with major wildfires near Spokane, Washington.
  • The fires have burned thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of buildings, displacing tens of thousands of residents.
  • Firefighters are making progress containing the blazes amid cooler temperatures and higher humidity, with no injuries reported so far.

Wildfires supercharged by drought and intense heat have ravaged the northwestern city of Spokane, Washington, burning thousands of acres and reducing hundreds of buildings to cinders. Authorities arrested a 37-year-old man, Aaron Farinacci, on Monday on suspicion of arson in connection with the largest of three blazes.

somewhere between 700 and 1,110 structures have been lost

— authoritiesAuthorities stated the estimated number of structures lost based on aerial observations.

A witness allegedly saw Farinacci kneeling near grass where the Old Trails fire began, leading to his arrest on a charge of first-degree arson. He is being held on a $1 million bond. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels announced the arrest at a press conference late Monday.

Aerial flybys revealed that between 700 and 1,110 structures have been lost since the fires erupted over the weekend. The three fires have collectively scorched 8,026 acres in the Spokane area. Firefighters have made significant gains against two of the blazes, benefiting from cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and thick smoke.

significant gains

— InciWebInciWeb, a federal interagency information system, described the progress firefighters were making against two of the fires.

Local officials confirmed that no injuries have been reported. Tens of thousands of residents have been displaced, anxiously awaiting news on when they can return to their homes.

so far no one had been reported hurt

— local officialsLocal officials provided an update on casualties.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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