- Wildfires are currently burning in Spokane County, leading to the evacuation of more than 60,000 people.
- Aaron Farinacci, 37, has been arrested on suspicion of arson related to the largest wildfire in the area, after being seen with matches and a lighter near the fire site.
- Three major fires have burned around Spokane since the weekend, with more than 700 buildings destroyed and another 400 yet to be assessed.
- Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as a 'nightmare' and likely 'the worst natural disaster in Spokane history', while Mayor Lisa Brown warned of 'the potential for lives to be lost'.
- Authorities are attempting to contact 14 people who have not been reached by mobile phone but are not yet considered missing.
- Governor Ferguson has issued a statewide ban on all outdoor fires as firefighters are stretched thin.
- More than 900 firefighters have been assigned to combat the wildfires, with reinforcements expected from other states.
More than 60,000 residents have been evacuated from Spokane, Washington, as three major wildfires, including the Old Trails fire, continue to devastate the area.1
A man, Aaron Farinacci, 37, has been arrested on suspicion of arson, allegedly found with matches and a lighter near the fire site. He is being held on a $1 million bond.2
The wildfires have destroyed over 700 buildings and burned thousands of acres, with another 400 buildings still to be assessed. Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as a “nightmare” and likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane's history.
Mayor Lisa Brown warned of the potential for lives to be lost and stated it was too early to determine when evacuees could return home. Authorities are attempting to contact 14 individuals who are unaccounted for but not officially missing.
With more than 900 firefighters deployed, officials are concerned about worsening conditions due to heat and wind. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged residents to avoid outdoor fires, emphasizing that any new spark could lead to further devastation.7
Resident Anna Andreachi, who lost her home, expressed her grief, stating, “All of our memories are gone.” Another resident, Joe Cvancara, who saved his home, shared his feelings of “survivor's guilt” and offered shelter to neighbors.
“Aaron Farinacci, 37, is held on a first-degree arson charge under a $1m bond after allegedly being seen kneeling near the fire site with matches and a lighter. More than 700 buildings have been destroyed, with another 400 yet to be assessed, as three major fires continue burning around Spokane.”
BBC
