More than 700 buildings in the Spokane area have been destroyed and 400 more haven't been assessed, officials said as three fires burned in the area and an arrest was made in connection with one of them.

A 37-year-old man faces arson charges and is being held on a $1 million bond for allegedly starting a wildfire that destroyed hundreds of homes near Spokane.

Aaron Farinacci, 37, was arrested after a witness reported seeing him kneeling near the ignition site, officials said. Winds were forecast to increase Friday and Saturday, bringing a return to extremely critical fire weather.

A 37-year-old Spokane, Washington, resident with a previous manslaughter conviction was arrested Monday in connection with largest of the region’s three wildfires, authorities said.

A man suspected of arson in one of three wildfires tearing through eastern Washington state was formally charged Tuesday, as firefighters race to contain flames before they obliterate more homes.

Firefighters continued to battle the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires, which have burned more than 10,500 acres since Aug. 1.

Christopher Guyton says losing his home in the Spokane wildfire strengthened his Christian faith and inspired him to spread the Gospel to others.