The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office has detained a suspect linked to the Old Trails fire, which is the most destructive wildfire affecting Spokane, Washington. Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old convicted felon, was apprehended at his residence without complications and is facing charges of first-degree arson. Officials conducted a search of his home as part of the investigation.

According to Sheriff John Nowels, a tip from a community member who observed an individual “bending down near some grass” at the fire’s origin point was instrumental in leading investigators to Farinacci early in the process. After questioning, he was initially released but later re-arrested by major crimes detectives as further evidence came to light. Nowels mentioned that matches or a lighter, items potentially used to ignite the fire, were found with Farinacci during his arrest.

Farinacci is scheduled for his initial court appearance on Tuesday, as noted by county prosecutor Preston McCollam. Whether Farinacci has legal representation remains unclear, per The Associated Press. The fires’ origins are still being examined by authorities. Strong winds, high temperatures, and parched conditions have exacerbated the blazes.

Since last weekend, these wildfires have forced the evacuation of 65,000 individuals, ravaged approximately 700 structures, and consumed 7,000 acres of land. It has also led to the evacuation of various businesses and the Veterans Affairs hospital campus along with other healthcare establishments. Thankfully, no fatalities or injuries have been reported.

Evacuees, including Charlie Patrick, who is 54 and disabled, are finding shelter at the Spokane Convention Center and a Red Cross facility. Patrick escaped with nothing and expressed concern over her apartment’s fate, saying, “I hope it is still there,” while holding back tears about family memories she might not recover.

Firefighters on Monday and Tuesday aimed to take advantage of a temporary reduction in high winds to manage the fires before a predicted heatwave midweek. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown remarked that the city of 230,000 is confronted with “an unprecedented situation.” Many evacuees, including older adults, are accommodated at the downtown Red Cross shelter, where nursing personnel assist them.

In a conversation with NPR’s Here & Now, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described Spokane’s situation as a “war zone” and emphasized the devastation, noting that entire neighborhoods were “wiped out.” Ferguson communicated with President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, requesting federal emergency relief for housing, food, and aid for search and rescue operations.