Arson Charge Filed Amid Spokane Area Wildfires

Why it matters locally: While the wildfires are centered in eastern Washington, Oregon residents and emergency services often collaborate on regional disaster response, and smoke from such large fires can impact air quality across state lines.

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Law enforcement officials have charged a man with arson in connection with one of the wildfires burning in eastern Washington. Firefighters are working to control three separate blazes impacting the Spokane area. The fires have prompted tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. More than 700 buildings have been destroyed across the affected region. Authorities identified the arrested individual as a suspect in starting the most destructive of the three wildfires. Dave Upthegrove, Washington commissioner of public lands, discussed the ongoing situation with Amna Nawaz.