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Spokane Wildfire Suspect Arrested with Lighter
4 Aug
Summary
- Suspect arrested with matches and lighter near Old Trails Fire.
- Three fires destroyed at least 700 buildings, displacing 67,000.
- Authorities are still working to contain all three blazes.
A man from Spokane, Washington, was arrested on Monday and charged with setting one of the devastating wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes. Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was booked on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three blazes.
These fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced approximately 67,000 people to evacuate. Farinacci was identified after a witness reported seeing a nervous man near the fire's origin. He was found to be in possession of matches and a butane lighter.
Some residents have begun returning to find their homes leveled, with only chimneys often remaining. The fires have burned roughly 12.5 square miles, and while calmer winds aided firefighters on Monday, hot and dry conditions were expected to return.
No deaths or major injuries have been reported. Over 1,000 firefighters are engaged, with more expected. The fires are among many across the Western U.S. affecting areas with severe drought and low snowpack.
