Arson Suspect Arrested as Devastating Wildfires Hit Spokane

A 37 year old man has been arrested and charged with first degree arson after allegedly starting one of three major wildfires that devastated the area around Spokane, Washington. The suspect, Aaron Farinacci, was jailed on a 1 million dollar bond. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated that Farinacci is accused of using matches or a lighter to ignite a roadside patch of grass, starting the Old Trails Fire on August 1. Investigators reported that Farinacci was found in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter. Court records indicate that Farinacci was previously convicted of manslaughter in Arizona.

The three blazes in the Spokane area are currently ranked as the top firefighting priority in the United States. The fires have burned over 4,000 hectares and destroyed between 700 and 1,110 buildings. Approximately 64,000 to 65,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. While no fatalities have been reported, some officials noted a high probability that this could change as search and recovery efforts expand into inaccessible areas. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and described the event as likely the worst natural disaster in the history of the city.

Firefighting efforts have been complicated by high temperatures, drought conditions, and gusting winds. Authorities also pleaded with the public to stop flying drones in the area, noting that illegal flights grounded firefighting aircraft on August 3. Mayor Lisa Brown warned residents that returning home could take weeks.

Outlets with a center left lean emphasized the role of human caused climate change and a record warm winter in creating these conditions. Outlets with a center right lean focused more heavily on the legal proceedings of the arson suspect and the immediate tactical challenges faced by firefighters.