Arson arrest in one of the Spokane area wildfires that have left some residents with nothing
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident with a prior manslaughter conviction, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson for allegedly starting the largest of three wildfires in the Spokane area, known as the Old Trails Fire.
- The wildfires have led to evacuation orders for about 67,000 people, destroyed over 700 buildings, and caused extensive property loss, with many residents facing total devastation of their homes and belongings.
- Firefighting efforts have been challenged by extreme drought, high heat, dry brush, and strong winds, though conditions temporarily eased early in the week; dangerous weather is expected to return, potentially worsening the situation.
- The fires are burning in the wildland-urban interface, where residential areas border wilderness, increasing vulnerability to fire damage; this season marks one of the worst in three decades for the Pacific Northwest.
- Authorities have not reported any deaths but are trying to contact 14 people who may have been evacuated or sought help; firefighting resources remain stretched as multiple large fires continue burning across Washington, Utah, and Idaho.
