Washington Man Arrested for Arson Amid Devastating Wildfires

A man from Washington state faces a first-degree arson charge related to the Old Trails Fire, one of several wildfires that have damaged hundreds of structures and forced large-scale evacuations in Spokane. Authorities announced the arrest on Monday.

Aaron F. Farinacci, aged 37, was apprehended after detectives from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from the Washington Department of Natural Resources gathered sufficient evidence to arrest him. The Sheriff’s Office disclosed these developments.

Tips from citizens and information from law enforcement personnel who managed initial evacuation efforts contributed to identifying Farinacci as a suspect, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Officials mentioned Farinacci’s past criminal record in Arizona, though it lacked any documented instances of fire-related crimes.

Authorities have not linked Farinacci to other major wildfires in the area, such as the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated in a news briefing that investigations would explore other potential crimes by Farinacci.

At this stage, there is probable cause to charge Farinacci with first-degree arson. However, Sheriff Nowels cautioned that the case might evolve as further evidence emerges.

Aaron Farinacci, 37, was charged with first-degree arson. (Spokane County Sheriff’s Office)

Detectives secured an arrest warrant and a search warrant for Farinacci’s residence located on the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive. On Monday, deputies executed the warrant and took Farinacci into custody without incident. Authorities revealed that detectives found a butane lighter and waterproof matches during his detention and search.

Farinacci was subsequently booked into the Spokane County Jail and held with a bond set at $1 million.

The Old Trails Fire, initially reported near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road, has become the largest of three destructive fires unearthed around Spokane. As of Monday, it remained uncontained.

Collectively, the three blazes have destroyed over 700 structures and resulted in evacuation orders for approximately 67,000 residents, according to The Associated Press. Response efforts have mobilized over 1,000 firefighters.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency on Saturday, citing drought, extreme temperatures, and strong winds. The declaration included a prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural fires through September 30.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.