A 37‑year‑old man named Aaron Farinacci was arrested on suspicion of first‑degree arson for the Old Trails fire that contributed to the largest wildfire event in Washington state.
More than 700 homes and businesses were already destroyed, pushing over 60,000 residents to evacuate from Spokane.
State officials warned that fires are still raging, with firefighters battling two of the three major blazes while heavier winds and rising temperatures could reignite the blaze.
The governor issued a statewide ban on all outdoor fires and urged residents not to be the spark that could lead to another disaster.
While many residents are missing, authorities are still trying to make contact and have not confirmed any deaths.
Scientists say the dry, hot conditions that fuelled the burn are intensified by climate change, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires.
