Arson Arrest Made Amid Largest Washington Wildfire Evacuation

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:50:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Arson suspect arrested in Spokane wildfire that forced 60,000 people to evacuate. Fires threaten homes and infrastructure.

In a dramatic turn of events, a man has been arrested on suspicion of arson over the largest wildfire in Washington state’s history. The blaze, which engulfed more than 700 buildings and devastated the city of Spokane, has prompted a state‑wide ban on outdoor fires. Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as a nightmare, while local officials warn that the threat to lives remains high. The incident highlights how human actions can exacerbate already dangerous wildfire conditions.

Arson Arrest Made Amid Largest Washington Wildfire Evacuation

In an unexpected development, a 37‑year‑old man has been arrested on suspicion of first‑degree arson over the raging Old Trails fire that swept through Spokane, Washington. The blaze has destroyed more than 700 structures and forced the evacuation of roughly 60,000 residents.

Officials in the wilderness‑enshrouded city say the fire’s root is still under investigation, but the arrest—based on evidence of matches and a lighter found in the suspect’s possession—points to a deliberate act.

The state government issued a statewide ban on all open fires following the outbreak. Governor Bob Ferguson called the situation a “nightmare” and warned it may be the worst natural disaster in Spokane’s history.

City leaders have noted that while many residents were evacuated, a handful of people cannot yet be confirmed missing, as communication lines have been cut by the flames. Firefighters are battling wind‑loaded flames that threaten to spread into drier valleys beyond the city limits.

A burned United States flag hangs from a charred flagpole, with ruins on either side of a road — Burning American flag remains as a stark reminder of the destruction inflicted on Spokane’s downtown.

A spokesperson for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office stated that the suspect had been seen kneeling near grass at the fire’s source. The arrest came after he was seized with the evidence linking him to the arson.

Fire suppression efforts involve more than 900 firefighters, with additional support expected from neighboring states as the dry summer heat threatens further flare‑ups. Researchers warn that human‑induced climate change fuels these conditions, prompting stronger caution from the state’s public lands office.

For now, residents are urged to stay away from the fire zone and keep an eye on official channels for evacuation updates. Rebuilding will take time, and community leaders stress the need to support those displaced.