Washington wildfires: Man suspected of starting devastating blaze arrested

In a shocking development, a 37-year-old man named Aaron F. Farinacci has been arrested for suspected arson in connection with the Old Trails fire in Spokane, Washington. The blaze has devastated more than 700 buildings and prompted the evacuation of approximately 67,000 residents, authorities revealed. Spokane County Sheriff's Office announced Farinacci's arrest on Monday, with him currently held on a $1 million bond.

Firefighters continue to combat multiple wildfires in the area, and the destruction caused by these infernos has been extensive. The Old Trails Fire alone has scorched about 12.5 square miles (32 square kilometres) of dry landscape, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. While no deaths or major injuries have been reported thus far, the blaze has incinerated homes, vehicles, and personal belongings, leaving hundreds of people to return to their properties in ashes.

Authorities had received nearly 300 reports of missing individuals due to the evacuations; however, 14 cases were cleared by Monday, leaving authorities to investigate the remaining cases, which may involve people who did not reach out after leaving their homes. Farinacci was identified through a tip from a local resident who reported seeing a "nervous-looking man" near grass near a road.

Initially questioned, Farinacci was later detained after investigators reviewed body-worn camera footage and police reports, leading back to him.

Farinacci was found with matches and a butane lighter during his arrest, according to Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday, though it remains unclear if he has legal representation. Farinacci has a prior conviction for felony manslaughter in Arizona. The Spokane fires are part of a larger wildfire outbreak across the western United States, with Washington experiencing roughly 390 square miles (1,000 square kilometres) burning due to severe drought conditions and limited snowpack.