Arson arrest made over largest of Washington state's wildfires

What the report says

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the largest of three wildfires burning around Spokane, Washington, according to BBC World News. The fires have driven more than 60,000 people from their homes in and around the state’s second-most-populous city, and firefighters are still trying to contain them.

The BBC reported that Aaron Farinacci, 37, is accused of setting the Old Trails fire after police said he was seen near grass at the scene and later found with matches and a lighter. He is being held on a first-degree arson charge with bail set at $1 million. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said Farinacci is a Spokane resident and has a prior manslaughter conviction.

Officials said the fires have already destroyed more than 700 buildings, with another 400 still to be assessed, and burned across thousands of acres. No deaths or injuries have been confirmed, though city leaders warned the situation remains dangerous and that it is too early to say when evacuated residents can return. Authorities are also trying to reach 14 people who have not been contacted by mobile phone but are not formally missing.

The Spokane fires are part of a wider outbreak of 16 wildfires across Washington state. Governor Bob Ferguson has imposed a statewide ban on outdoor fires, and more than 900 firefighters are working on the blazes, with support from other states expected. Environmental context is also relevant: hotter, drier conditions can increase wildfire risk, especially in the U.S. West.