Spokane Wildfires Destroy 700 Structures and Empty 65,000 Homes as Arson Suspect Is Arrested
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 3
Spokane Wildfires Destroy 700 Structures and Empty 65,000 Homes as Arson Suspect Is Arrested
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 3
Summary
Three Spokane-area wildfires had burned more than 16 square miles by Aug. 4, with all three blazes still 0% contained after forcing over 65,000 people to evacuate.
A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of igniting the Old Trails Fire, the largest blaze, as officials said extreme heat, drought and strong winds drove explosive fire growth.
About 700 structures were destroyed across middle- and working-class neighborhoods, while thousands of firefighters struggled to gain control and some residents remained missing.
Residents said emergency alerts arrived in time to flee, but many returned to rubble and are now scrambling for rentals, hotels and temporary housing as they plan to rebuild.