💛 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 in Spokane County arrested Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, on Monday and charged him with first-degree arson related to the Old Trails Fire, the most destructive of three simultaneous blazes ravaging the Washington city and its surroundings. The fires have leveled at least 700 buildings and prompted the evacuation of approximately 67,000 residents, making it one of the region’s most severe fire events in recent years.
A community member’s tip about a nervous man spotted near the fire’s origin point initially drew law enforcement attention to Farinacci. After initial questioning released him, major crimes detectives later re-examined body camera footage and witness statements, identifying Farinacci again and confirming the fire had started precisely where the witness observed him. When detained, Farinacci was carrying matches and a butane lighter, according to Sheriff John Nowels.
Nowels credited the rapid apprehension to vigilant citizens who noticed suspicious behavior and reported it to authorities. Farinacci, who carries a prior felony manslaughter conviction in Arizona, will make his first court appearance Tuesday. Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam’s office is handling the case, though it remains unclear whether Farinacci has secured legal representation.
The Old Trails Fire ignited Saturday northwest of downtown Spokane, eventually crossing the Spokane River and destroying residential neighborhoods across roughly 12.5 square miles. The three fires together scorched about 32 square kilometers by Monday, with officials stating that calmer winds and cooler temperatures aided firefighting efforts, though conditions were expected to deteriorate midweek.
Returning residents confronted scenes of total devastation, with many homes reduced to foundations and only chimneys remaining. Some survivors, including 76-year-old Miriam Sim, faced the grim question of whether rebuilding made sense at their stage of life. The county initially fielded nearly 300 missing-person reports but had narrowed that to 14 by Monday, suggesting most individuals had simply lost contact during the rapid evacuation.
More than 1,000 firefighters from across the nation had deployed to the region by Monday, with that number expected to double within days. Officials warned against drone use over affected areas, stating such activity could compromise aerial firefighting operations. Washington’s entire congressional delegation petitioned President Donald Trump for an expedited emergency declaration, citing widespread losses of homes and agricultural land.
The Spokane fires represent part of a broader Western wildfire crisis straining federal, state, and local resources. Washington state has experienced at least 390 square miles of total burn damage amid severe drought conditions and minimal snowpack. No deaths or significant injuries have been reported in connection with any of the three fires.
More Stories
Washington Man Charged With First-Degree Arson in Connection With Destructive Old Trails Fire Near Spokane
Cargo Vessel Hit in Hormuz Strait as U.S. and Iran Trade Claims Over Diplomatic Talks
School Bus Aide Charged With Sexual Assault of Special Needs Student in Pennsylvania