Spokane wildfire suspect arrested amid resident anger and devastation

Spokane residents are grappling with shock and anger after a wildfire, suspected to be deliberately set, ravaged hundreds of homes in the northwestern U.S. city. Aaron Farinacci, 37, a man with a prior conviction for killing his father, was arrested near a fire's origin with matches and a lighter.

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It's hard to put into words this feeling of anger and disgust towards someone who doesn't care about the fate of thousands of people.

Authorities have placed Farinacci, who was released from prison in 2020, in pre-trial detention with bail set at $1 million. The blaze, which has been spreading rapidly since Saturday due to high temperatures, drought, and strong winds, has forced over 65,000 people to evacuate. At least 700 buildings have been reduced to ashes in the city of 230,000.

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It's outrageous, it's awful. I hope he gets what he deserves.

Residents like Kimber Renz, a 35-year-old daycare director, described the devastation. "It's hard to put into words this feeling of anger and disgust towards someone who doesn't care about the fate of thousands of people," she told AFP. Renz lost her home, where she had recently moved with her family, finding only a few garden furniture items and cake molds among the smoldering ruins.

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Grief comes and goes in waves. I've cried a lot.

Despite the immense loss, Renz emphasized the importance of staying strong for her children, who, along with their dog and fish, are safe. "They are safe and sound, our dog and our fish too, so we are grateful to be alive," she said. The speed at which the fire crossed the city's river and consumed neighborhoods has left many, including Renz, stunned, as they believed the river offered a natural barrier.

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We try to be strong for our children. They are safe and sound, our dog and our fish too, so we are grateful to be alive.