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Man Charged with Arson as Wildfires Burn Near Spokane, Washington
Just the facts
Law enforcement officials in Spokane County, Washington, arrested a man on felony arson charges for allegedly igniting fires that spread into regional wildfires. Wildfires in eastern Washington state have damaged structures, threatened agricultural land, and prompted local evacuation orders across affected rural areas. Firefighting crews from state and local agencies continue efforts to contain active perimeters across eastern Washington and neighboring pasture areas. Local prosecutors formally filed arson charges in Spokane County Superior Court as emergency response teams monitored weather conditions.
Why this is news
Law enforcement authorities arrested and charged a man with arson in connection with fires burning near Spokane, Washington.
Developments timeline
- Local emergency management officials reported that the wildfires burning near Spokane, Washington, have destroyed at least 846 structures.
- The suspect charged with igniting the wildfire near Spokane told investigators that he spent weeks planning the blaze using an ignition device, and claimed responsibility for starting 25 additional fires in the area.
- A judge increased bail to $2 million for suspect Aaron Forrest Farinacci following court disclosures that he confessed to igniting 25 blazes modeled after serial arsonist John Leonard Orr.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.