John Nowels

Firefighters established containment lines around three wildfires affecting Spokane while preparing for hotter and drier weather; meanwhile, tens of thousands remain evacuated due to ongoing fire danger. The fires, one of which was caused by arson, have destroyed about 850 buildings and forced the evacuation of approximately 67,000 people since last weekend. Officials stressed that evacuation zones will remain in place for many days.

Firefighters have established containment lines around three wildfires near Spokane, Washington, which have displaced 67,000 people and destroyed 850 buildings. One fire was deliberately set by an arrested individual, while the other two were human-caused but not necessarily intentional. Evacuations will remain in effect due to worsening weather conditions, with residents uncertain when they can return.

A man was arrested in Spokane, Washington, for setting a wildfire that destroyed hundreds of homes. He was identified via a tip and found with incendiary tools, and has a prior felony conviction in Arizona.

A man is accused of arson in the largest of three major fires in Spokane, Washington. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels addressed the public at a news conference regarding the incident.