Man arrested on arson suspicion after Spokane wildfires force 60,000 evacuations
Authorities arrested a 37-year-old suspect in connection with the largest of three wildfires that have destroyed over 700 buildings and prompted the evacuation of more than 60,000 residents in Spokane, Washington.
A Spokane County man, 37, was taken into custody on suspicion of first-degree arson after investigators linked him to the Old Trails fire, the largest of three blazes burning around the city since the weekend. The sheriff's office said the suspect was seen kneeling near grass at the fire site and was later found with matches and a lighter. He is being held on a $1 million bond and has a prior manslaughter conviction.
The fires have destroyed more than 700 structures and burned thousands of acres in the region surrounding Spokane, a city of about 230,000 people. Officials said no fatalities or injuries have been confirmed, but authorities are still trying to contact 14 residents who have not responded to outreach attempts.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as a "nightmare" and suggested it may be the worst natural disaster in Spokane's history. Mayor Lisa Brown warned that the risk to lives remains and that it is too early to determine when displaced residents can return home.
Firefighters are working to contain the three fires—named Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane—among a total of 16 wildfires across the state, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Progress has been made on two of the blazes, and cooler temperatures and lighter winds are forecast for Tuesday, though higher temperatures are expected later in the week.
Local residents reported extensive loss of property. One homeowner said all personal belongings and memories were destroyed when his house burned. Another resident, who escaped the flames, lost an apartment and all possessions, according to a verified fundraising page.
Public lands commissioner Dave Upthegrove noted that firefighters are already stretched thin and warned that additional heat and wind could spark further wildfires in the dry landscape.
"We are going to open our home to our neighbours," said Joe Cvancara, who helped dig a fire line and expressed concern for those who lost homes.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of damage and coordinate relief efforts for those displaced by the fires.