Authorities arrest man in connection with Spokane wildfires
apnews.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested in Spokane, Washington, on suspicion of first degree arson for allegedly setting the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires devastating the region.
- The three fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced the evacuation of approximately 67,000 people, with the fires still uncontained as of Monday.
- Farinacci was identified after a community member reported seeing a nervous man near the fire's origin; he was found with matches and a butane lighter.
- Despite significant property loss, no deaths or major injuries have been reported, and over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blazes amid severe drought conditions in Washington.
- Residents affected by the fires are returning to find many homes and possessions destroyed, facing difficult decisions about rebuilding amid widespread devastation.
