Washington Man Arrested for Arson Linked to Spokane Wildfire

A man from Washington state was arrested on Monday for first-degree arson related to the Old Trails Fire, which has caused significant destruction in the Spokane area. Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was taken into custody after detectives from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Department of Natural Resources established probable cause for his arrest. Investigators received assistance from citizen tips and law enforcement officers during the initial response and evacuation efforts. Farinacci, a convicted felon from Arizona, does not have any documented history of fire-related crimes. Authorities have not linked him to two other major wildfires in the region, the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels indicated that the charge of first-degree arson is based on current evidence, which may evolve as the investigation continues. A search warrant executed at Farinacci's residence led to the discovery of a butane lighter and waterproof matches. He has been booked into the Spokane County Jail with a bond set at $1 million. The Old Trails Fire, reported on Saturday, is the largest of three fires in the area, having destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted evacuation orders for approximately 67,000 residents. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency due to drought conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds, which also included a prohibition on most outdoor burning until September 30.