Three Spokane wildfires burn over 10,000 acres, prompting evacuations and arson arrest
Three human-caused fires near Spokane have scorched more than 10,000 acres, forced evacuations for tens of thousands and led to the arrest of a suspect linked to the blaze.
Three wildfires collectively known as the Spokane Complex have burned 10,280 acres across Spokane and Stevens counties, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. The fires – the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview – remain uncontained and have prompted evacuation orders for about 65,000 residents in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.
Investigators have determined that all three fires were started by human activity. Law enforcement officials say Aaron Farinacci was arrested on Monday after a citizen reported seeing him near the ignition point of the Old Trails Fire. He was found carrying matches, a lighter and cigarettes. Sheriff John Nowels said the evidence matched the fire’s origin and that Farinacci’s prior manslaughter conviction was noted, though no comment was obtained from his attorney.
Air quality within a 50-mile radius of the fires has deteriorated to levels ranging from unhealthy for sensitive groups to hazardous for the general public, prompting health officials to advise residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed and consider N95 masks.
The region’s weather forecast calls for light winds through Wednesday, providing some relief to firefighting crews, but hotter, drier conditions and breezy winds are expected later in the week, raising the risk of further fire spread.
Authorities have also warned against flying drones over the fire zone, citing multiple incidents that forced aerial firefighting assets to be grounded and could result in fines of up to $100,000.
The ongoing blaze coincides with Washington’s primary election, and county officials have redirected voters from a ballot drop box located in an evacuation area to alternative locations to ensure voting can proceed safely.