💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Authorities arrested Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, on Monday following an investigation into the Old Trails Fire, which has ravaged the Spokane area alongside multiple other active blazes. Detectives from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Washington Department of Natural Resources investigators developed probable cause for the first-degree arson charge after receiving citizen tips and information from responding officers.
Public input and details provided by Airway Heights police and Spokane County deputies who initially responded to the fire and managed evacuation efforts proved instrumental in directing investigators toward Farinacci, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities identified him as a convicted felon from Arizona, though they noted no previous documented criminal history involving fire-related offenses.
Sheriff John Nowels stated during a briefing that investigators would examine whether Farinacci bore responsibility for any additional crimes. He emphasized that first-degree arson represented the charge justified by available evidence at that investigative stage and cautioned the case could evolve as more information surfaced.
Deputies executed arrest and search warrants at Farinacci’s residence in the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive on Monday. A butane lighter and waterproof matches were discovered during his detention and search, authorities reported.
Farinacci was booked into the Spokane County Jail and held without bail set at $1 million. He remains held pending further proceedings.
The Old Trails Fire ignited Saturday near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road and emerged as the largest of three concurrent wildfires threatening the region. As of Monday, the three fires had destroyed at least 700 structures collectively and forced approximately 67,000 people to evacuate their homes, according to reports.
More than 1,000 firefighters worked to contain the blazes as Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency Saturday. The declaration imposed a prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September 30 as drought conditions, elevated temperatures and powerful winds fueled the fires.
More Stories
Cargo Vessel Hit in Hormuz Strait as U.S. and Iran Trade Claims Over Diplomatic Talks
Spokane Man Arrested on Arson Charges in Connection With Destructive Wildfire
School Bus Aide Charged With Sexual Assault of Special Needs Student in Pennsylvania