Washington wildfires force 65,000 evacuations, destroy 700 homes

The American Red Cross confirmed on Monday that over 65,000 residents have fled their homes in the US state of Washington as multiple wildfires ravaged the landscape. “As many as 65,000 people have had to evacuate,” the organization said, noting that preliminary assessments indicate the flames have consumed more than 700 homes, primarily within Spokane County.

Arson suspect apprehended

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels told a news conference that authorities arrested 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci on Monday afternoon on a first-degree arson charge. The suspect is being held on a $1 million bond and is allegedly linked to the Old Trails Fire, one of several blazes currently threatening the area, Nowels said.

Multiple blazes burn without containment

Data from the interagency system InciWeb showed that fires near Spokane and Stevens counties have scorched 8,026 acres (3,248 hectares) since Saturday and remain at zero percent containment. The Spokane Complex Fire Incident Management Team reported that more favorable weather is allowing crews to make progress on the fire lines, though other parts of the state face even larger threats including the Sinlahekin fire, which has grown to 85,000 acres since lightning triggered it on July 26.

More than 820 personnel are battling the Sinlahekin blaze, which also has no containment, while the Little Giant Fire northwest of Leavenworth has burned 51,298 acres (20,759 hectares) in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said officials have accounted for nearly everyone who called for help but are still attempting to contact 14 people to verify their safety.

No confirmed deaths

Ferguson said the 14 people are “not missing,” but officials want to hear from them to make sure they are okay, according to CNN. The governor noted there have been no confirmed deaths at this point as crews continue battling the multiple out-of-control fires across the state.