A Washington man has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, a blaze that has contributed to widespread destruction and mass evacuations in the Spokane area. Authorities took Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, into custody on Monday following an investigation by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Investigation Leads to Arrest
The arrest was the culmination of efforts involving tips from the public and crucial information gathered by Airway Heights police officers and Spokane County sheriff’s deputies. These individuals were instrumental in responding to the initial fire report and managing the urgent evacuation orders that displaced thousands.
Sheriff John Nowels of Spokane County stated during a news briefing that while the current charge is first-degree arson, the investigation is ongoing. “We will be looking into any other crimes Mr. Farinacci may have committed in the past,” Nowels remarked, emphasizing that the case could evolve as more evidence comes to light.
Detectives secured an arrest warrant for Farinacci and a search warrant for his residence on West Elliott Drive. The arrest was executed without incident on Monday. During the process of detaining and searching Farinacci, authorities reported finding a butane lighter and waterproof matches.
Farinacci’s Background and Other Fires
Officials noted that Farinacci is a convicted felon from Arizona. However, investigators have not yet uncovered any prior documented criminal history related to fires. At this time, Farinacci has not been linked to the two other significant fires impacting the region: the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.
Farinacci was booked into the Spokane County Jail and is being held on a $1 million bond.
The Scale of the Spokane Wildfires
The Old Trails Fire, which began on Saturday near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road, has become the largest of the three major blazes that have devastated the Spokane area. As of Monday, the fire remained uncontained.
Collectively, the three fires have resulted in the destruction of at least 700 structures. Evacuation orders were issued for approximately 67,000 people, according to reports from The Associated Press. More than 1,000 firefighters are actively engaged in battling these infernos.
Statewide Emergency Declared
In response to the escalating wildfire situation, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency on Saturday. This declaration was prompted by a combination of drought conditions, exceptionally high temperatures, and strong winds that have created a volatile environment for fires.
The emergency declaration also implemented a statewide ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning, which is set to remain in effect through September 30.
