Spokane wildfires scorch thousands of acres, destroy hundreds of structures and force tens of thousands to evacuate as arson suspect is arrested

Three wildfires on Spokane's northern fringe have burned roughly 8,000 acres and razed at least 700 buildings, prompting evacuation orders for about 65,000 to 67,000 residents. Police have taken Aaron F. Farinacci into custody on suspicion of deliberately starting the Old Trails Fire and have set his bond at $1 million. No deaths or major injuries have been confirmed, though officials warn fatalities could rise. An eyewitness reported seeing a bald man near railroad tracks on West Euclid Road shortly before a plume of smoke appeared, and investigators are also looking into the origins of the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.