Authorities Arrest Arson Suspect as Spokane Fires Displace 65,000
Authorities arrested an arson suspect over the largest Spokane-area fire as displacement estimates rose to roughly 65,000 and cooler weather offered firefighters a first break.
The Morning Brief Desk · August 4, 2026 · Based on reporting by BBC World
Washington state authorities arrested a suspect on suspicion of arson. Officials tied the suspect to the largest of three wildfires burning in and around Spokane. Officials said the blazes have displaced roughly 65,000 people -- up from earlier estimates of about 60,000.
The arrest connects the region's largest fire to a criminal investigation. Tens of thousands of residents remain out of their homes across the Spokane area.
Cooler weather may give firefighters their first significant break. Forecasters expect light winds and lower temperatures to help crews battling the wildfires burning in eastern Washington.
Sources
BBC World — Arson arrest made over largest of Washington state's wildfires
An arson suspect has been arrested in connection with the largest of three wildfires in the Spokane area that have forced 60,000 people from their homes.
Al Jazeera — US arrests suspect over Spokane wildfire as tens of thousands flee blaze
Authorities say about 65,000 people have been displaced by the fires in Washington state as a suspect is taken into custody.
AP News — Cooler weather may aid firefighters battling wildfires in eastern Washington
Light winds and lower temperatures are forecast to help firefighters battling eastern Washington wildfires that have forced 60,000 evacuations around Spokane.
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