Additional Coverage:
A Washington state man has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, one of several wildfires devastating the Spokane area. The fire has destroyed hundreds of structures and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was taken into custody Monday after investigators from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Department of Natural Resources established probable cause for his arrest. Authorities credited tips from citizens and information provided by Airway Heights police and Spokane County sheriff’s deputies-who initially responded to the fire and assisted with evacuations-for helping lead them to Farinacci.
The sheriff’s office noted that Farinacci is a convicted felon from Arizona, but investigators found no prior criminal history related to fire-setting. Officials also emphasized that Farinacci has not been linked to two other major wildfires currently burning nearby, known as the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated during a news briefing that while first-degree arson is the charge currently supported by evidence, the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could emerge as more information becomes available. Authorities secured arrest and search warrants for Farinacci’s residence on West Elliott Drive, where deputies found items including a butane lighter and waterproof matches at the time of his arrest, which proceeded without incident.
Farinacci was booked into Spokane County Jail on a $1 million bond.
The Old Trails Fire first ignited Saturday near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road and quickly grew to become the largest of three major fires threatening the Spokane region. Collectively, these fires have destroyed at least 700 structures and led to evacuation orders impacting roughly 67,000 people. Over 1,000 firefighters remain engaged in containment efforts.
In response to the worsening wildfire situation, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency on Saturday. The declaration addresses ongoing drought conditions, elevated temperatures, and strong winds, and includes a ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through the end of September.