Washington Man Charged with Arson in Devastating Old Trails Wildfire Near Spokane

A man from Washington state was taken into custody on Monday, facing a first-degree arson charge related to the Old Trails Fire. This blaze is among several wildfires that have ravaged the Spokane area, destroying hundreds of structures and necessitating the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, according to official reports.

Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested after detectives from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from the Washington Department of Natural Resources established probable cause for his apprehension, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office.

The investigation leading to Farinacci's arrest was significantly aided by tips from the public, alongside information gathered by officers from the Airway Heights Police Department and deputies from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. These first responders were on the scene of the initial call and were instrumental in conducting evacuations.

Officials noted that Farinacci is a convicted felon from Arizona. However, they indicated that his criminal record does not contain any documented history involving fires.

As of now, investigators have not established any connection between Farinacci and two other significant fires burning in the vicinity: the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires, authorities stated.

Initial Arrest and Investigation

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels addressed the media during a briefing, stating, "We will be looking into any other crimes Mr. Farinacci may have committed in the past."

Sheriff Nowels clarified that first-degree arson was the specific charge supported by probable cause at the current stage of the inquiry. He cautioned that the nature of the case could evolve as authorities continue to gather additional evidence.

Detectives successfully obtained an arrest warrant for Farinacci, along with a search warrant for his residence, located in the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive, according to information from the sheriff’s office.

Deputies executed the warrants on Monday, apprehending Farinacci without incident. During his detention and search, authorities reported finding a butane lighter and waterproof matches.

Farinacci has since been booked into the Spokane County Jail, where he is being held on a $1 million bond.

Details of the Fires and Emergency Response

The Old Trails Fire was initially reported on Saturday, originating near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road. By Monday, it had grown to become the largest of the three destructive fires impacting the Spokane region and remained uncontained, according to reports from authorities and news wire services.

Collectively, the three fires had caused the destruction of at least 700 structures and triggered evacuation orders impacting approximately 67,000 individuals by Monday. More than 1,000 firefighters were actively engaged in combating these blazes.

Statewide Emergency Declaration

In response to the severe drought conditions, unusually high temperatures, and strong winds, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson issued a statewide wildfire emergency declaration on Saturday. This declaration also implemented a prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning across the state, effective until September 30.