Key facts
- Aaron Farinacci, 37, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire.
- The Old Trails Fire is one of three blazes that have destroyed at least 700 buildings near Spokane, Washington.
- Approximately 64,000 people were under evacuation orders due to the fires.
- A witness reported seeing Farinacci near the fire's origin, leading to his arrest.
- Farinacci has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona.
Authorities in Spokane, Washington, have arrested Aaron Farinacci, 37, on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, one of three devastating blazes that have ravaged the area. The fires have collectively destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced approximately 64,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
Sheriff John Nowels stated that a tip from a community member, who observed a man behaving nervously near the fire's origin, initially led to Farinacci's detention. Investigators determined the fire began at the location where the witness saw him, and Farinacci was found to be in possession of matches and a butane lighter. He had been questioned and released on Saturday but was taken into custody Monday after further evidence was obtained.
Residents are beginning to return to their neighborhoods, many finding their homes reduced to ash and rubble. The Old Trails Fire ignited northwest of downtown Spokane on Saturday and spread rapidly across a parched landscape. The state's congressional delegation has formally requested an expedited emergency declaration from President Donald Trump to aid in the recovery efforts.
By Monday, the three fires had blackened more than 10,000 acres. Firefighting efforts were aided by cooler, calmer weather conditions, though hot and dry winds were expected to return. Roughly 1,100 firefighters were battling the Spokane blazes, part of a larger outbreak across the Western U.S. that has seen over 44,700 wildfires nationwide this year. No fatalities had been reported, but officials noted a high probability of change as search efforts expand into inaccessible areas.