FAST-MOVING FIRE:
High temperatures and high winds turned the fires into a blast furnace, razing homes down to their foundations as tens of thousands fled the flames
US law enforcement personnel arrested a man on Monday on suspicion of arson in connection with the biggest of three wildfires burning around Spokane as firefighters labored to contain flames that have displaced tens of thousands.Wildfires supercharged by drought and intense heat have torn through the city in Washington state, burning thousands of hectares and reducing hundreds of buildings to ash while anxious families await news on when they can return.Aaron Farinacci, 37, was arrested on a charge of first-degree arson for starting the Old Trails Fire and held on a US$1 million bond after a witness reported seeing him kneeling near grass where the fire began, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said at a news conference on Monday.
Chimneys are the only structures left after a wildfire hit Spokane, Washington, on Monday.
Farinacci was initially detained near where the fire started on Saturday but released, before being taken into custody again after officers connected him to the fire, Nowels said, adding that Farinacci had a previous manslaughter conviction.“We believe it was matches or a lighter. When he was detained... he was found to be in possession of some waterproof matches and a butane lighter,” the sheriff said, adding the suspect was not believed to be connected to two other major fires in the area.
