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.
Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of arson in a large wildfire in Spokane, Washington. This fire is the largest of three burning around the state's second-most-populous city, forcing over 60,000 people to evacuate and destroying more than 700 buildings. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels revealed that Farinacci was previously linked to two other fire investigations last year, including the Old Trails fire.
Authorities found matches and a lighter at the scene, which led to his arrest on a charge of arson in the first degree. Farinacci appeared in court via video call but did not enter a plea to the charge. The city's mayor, Lisa Brown, expressed the potential for lives to be lost despite the efforts of authorities. Meanwhile, 14 people remain unaccounted for, though it is believed they may have left the area.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as a "nightmare situation," calling it likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane history. Firefighters have made progress against two of the fires, but temperatures could rise again later this week. Farinacci, who has a manslaughter conviction for shooting his father in 2010, was released from prison in 2020.
The wildfire is among 16 wildfires in Washington state, with more than 900 firefighters assigned to fight them, with reinforcements expected from other states soon.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
