Arson arrest made over largest of Washington state's wildfires
There are three wildfires in the Spokane area that have forced 60,000 to be evacuated from their homes.
An arrest has been made in connection with the largest of the wildfires currently affecting Washington state, which has led to the evacuation of over 60,000 residents from Spokane.
Since the weekend, three significant fires have been raging around Spokane, the second-most-populous city in the northwestern state, with firefighters actively working to bring them under control.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, was reportedly observed kneeling near grass at the fire's origin point and was later found to possess matches and a lighter, according to the Spokane County Sheriff.
Over 700 structures in the area have been destroyed, with an additional 400 awaiting assessment. Thousands of acres of land have also been consumed by the flames.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as a "nightmare," stating, "This is likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane history."
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown cautioned that there remains "the potential for lives to be lost" and that it is premature to determine when residents might be able to return home.
As of now, no deaths or injuries have been confirmed.
Authorities are attempting to contact 14 individuals who are unreachable by mobile phone but are not yet classified as missing. Sheriff John Nowels suggested that many likely evacuated but either lost signal or had depleted phone batteries.
The three fires in Spokane—Old Trails, Fairview, and Autumn Lane—are among a total of 16 wildfires burning across Washington state, as reported by the state's department of natural resources.
Firefighters have made progress on two of the fires. While lighter winds and cooler temperatures are predicted for Tuesday, there are concerns that temperatures will rise again later in the week.
Farinacci, arrested in connection with the Old Trails fire, faces a charge of arson in the first degree and is being held on a $1 million (£744,150) bond. Sheriff Nowels noted that the Spokane resident has a prior manslaughter conviction.
Images depict the devastation in Spokane, showing charred homes and burned-out cars. Videos from the city illustrate flames engulfing houses as helicopters work overhead to extinguish the fires.
Anna Andreachi, a resident who lost her home, told BBC News partner CBS News, "All of our memories are gone. My dad just died, and all of his stuff was still in there too."
One man who successfully saved his home by digging a fire line expressed "survivor's guilt" after his neighbor's home was destroyed. Joe Cvancara stated, "We're going to open our home to our neighbors. I know it's going to take a long time to rebuild."
Tim Hansen, a Spokane resident, was seen carrying a stone angel from the ruins of a burned-out home.
Governor Ferguson has implemented a statewide ban on all outdoor fires.
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove commented, "Our firefighters are already stretched thin across the state, and with more heat and wind expected this weekend and for the rest of the summer, any new spark on our tinder dry landscapes can lead to another devastating wildfire. I'm urging all Washingtonians to not be that spark."
Over 900 firefighters have been assigned to the Washington fires, with additional support from other states anticipated soon.
Scientists attribute the increased likelihood of warm, dry conditions conducive to wildfires, as well as more frequent and intense heatwaves and potential summer droughts, to human-induced climate change.