Spokane fire arrest: Suspect booked after devastating wildfire tears through Washington neighborhoods

Authorities in Spokane, Washington, have arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of deliberately starting one of the devastating wildfires that have torn through the region, destroying hundreds of structures and forcing tens of thousands of residents from their homes.

The arrest comes as firefighters continue battling three major blazes that remain uncontained, with emergency crews warning that hot, dry weather could make firefighting efforts even more difficult in the coming days.

Arson arrest linked to the largest wildfire

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office said Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was taken into custody on Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of the three fires burning around Spokane.


Investigators said his bond has been set at $1 million.

Officials have not announced the causes of the other two wildfires, which together with the Old Trails Fire have devastated communities across the region.

Witness tip helped investigators identify suspect

According to Sheriff John Nowels, the investigation gained momentum after a local resident reported seeing a man behaving nervously near roadside grass shortly before the fire began.

Although the individual was initially questioned and released, detectives later reviewed body camera footage and investigative reports before identifying Farinacci again.

Authorities said the fire is believed to have started in the same area where the witness spotted him. Investigators also recovered matches and a butane lighter when he was detained.

Sheriff Nowels credited alert community members for providing information that helped investigators quickly make an arrest.

Thousands displaced as wildfire devastation grows

The three wildfires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and prompted evacuation orders affecting approximately 67,000 people around Washington state's second-largest city.

By early Tuesday, the fires had scorched about 16 square miles (41 square kilometres), leaving neighbourhoods blanketed in ash, smoke and debris.

While calmer winds briefly aided firefighters, officials warned that hotter and drier conditions expected later in the week could increase fire activity.

More than 1,000 firefighters, including crews from outside Washington, have been deployed, with additional personnel expected to arrive as containment efforts continue.

Residents return to heartbreaking scenes

For many evacuees, returning home has meant confronting overwhelming loss.

Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble, with some properties left standing only as brick chimneys surrounded by ashes and twisted metal.

Many families managed to save only a handful of treasured belongings before fleeing as flames spread rapidly through residential areas.

Others returned to discover that decades of memories had disappeared within hours.

Despite the destruction, some residents described neighbours working together to protect nearby homes, using garden hoses and sprinklers in desperate attempts to stop advancing flames.

Search efforts continue as officials monitor missing reports

Authorities said they initially received nearly 300 reports of missing people after the evacuations began.

By Monday, investigators had resolved all but 14 cases, with officials saying many of those individuals were likely safe but had not yet contacted relatives after leaving evacuation zones.

No deaths or serious injuries have been reported.

Washington battles one of its toughest wildfire seasons

The Spokane fires are among dozens burning across the western United States as drought conditions and below-average snowpack continue to fuel dangerous wildfire activity.

Officials estimate that more than 390 square miles (1,000 square kilometres) have burned across Washington this season.

Emergency responders have also urged the public to avoid flying drones near wildfire zones, warning that unauthorised aircraft can interfere with aerial firefighting operations and delay critical emergency missions.

Meanwhile, Washington's congressional delegation has asked President Donald Trump to approve an expedited emergency declaration, saying hundreds of families have lost homes, farms and businesses while many evacuation areas remain inaccessible due to ongoing firefighting efforts.

(With AP inputs)