SPOKANE, Wash. — Three fast-moving wildfires burning around Spokane have grown to nearly 10,000 acres, destroyed at least 700 structures, and forced about 65,000 people to evacuate, with no containment reported as of Monday, August 3.
Officials say the destruction could make this the most destructive wildfire event in Washington State history. Beyond Spokane, wildfire activity is spreading across the region. Oregon broke its annual wildfire acreage record just three days into August.
On August 3rd, Bishop Thomas A. Daly of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane was able to gain access to the fire zone, granted by emergency personnel, to assess the damage and give encouragement to the faithful.
Bishop Daly’s team went with him and his Director of Communication Sarah Potter snapped this powerful photo of a private residence that had been burned down by the Old Trails Fire, the largest of the three wildfires that are devastating the Spokane area. All that remained fully intact was a statue of the Virgin Mary. The image went viral as it was later posted to the Diocese of Spokane’s social media with the caption:
In the midst of unimaginable loss, this image speaks without words.
The fires may consume homes and forests, but it cannot consume faith, hope, or the love that binds a community together.
Please continue to pray for all who have lost homes, for those forced to evacuate, and for every firefighter, law enforcement officer, emergency personnel, and volunteer serving our region.
Our prayers must always become action. Faith calls us not only to pray for our neighbors but to care for them.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
After the bishop’s visit to the devastation site, he released a letter to the faithful addressing the loss. The letter was titled “Standing Together in Hope”.
On Monday, August 3, Spokane County Sheriff's deputies arrested Aaron Farinacci, 37, for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire. He was booked on suspicion of first-degree arson and is being held on a $1 million bond.