Spokane, wildfire devastation
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As emergency responders in Spokane, Wash., take stock of the damage from devastating wildfires, there's a prevailing sense the disaster could have been far worse.
With rising temperatures and drier conditions, fires are more likely to explode. And with more people living next to forests, the results can be catastrophic.
As of Thursday morning, the Spokane Area Fires are a reported 10,436 total acres large, with 913 structures confirmed damaged and containment is increasing on the three fires.
Spokane wildfires have burned over 10,000 acres, destroyed 700 structures and forced 65,000 evacuations as smoke spreads.
Firefighters made gains in containing the Spokane Complex wildfires, but weather conditions could lead to more spread as the week goes on.
The Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires were each 13% contained Wednesday, and the Fairview fire was 5% contained, according to fire officials.
Aaron Farinacci is accused of setting the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three burning around the city that have destroyed hundreds of buildings.
The fires have consumed thousands of acres, destroyed homes and forced residents to evacuate.
Police said a man charged with starting a wildfire confessed to the crime, describing how he planned it for weeks and created a device to ignite a blaze that destroyed hundreds of buildings.
Christopher Guyton says losing his home in the Spokane wildfire strengthened his Christian faith and inspired him to spread the Gospel to others.
The alleged arsonist in the first of three devastating wildfires in Washington state last week admitted to igniting the blaze and more than two dozen others since last year, court documents show.