Spokane man arrested for arson in massive wildfires

A Spokane County man, 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci, was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree arson for allegedly igniting the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires raging around the city. The fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced roughly 67,000 residents to evacuate.

Sheriff John Nowels said a tip from a community member who saw a nervous-looking man near the ignition point led investigators to Farinacci. After initial questioning he was released, but later detectives, using body-camera footage and additional reports, re-identified him at the scene. Police found matches and a butane lighter on his person.

“As it happens in so many critical cases, it was citizens who were paying attention to their surroundings, being aware and willing to step up and say something that led to the relatively quick apprehension of Mr. Farinacci,” Nowels said.

Farinacci is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. He has previously been convicted of felony manslaughter in Arizona. No deaths or major injuries have been reported from the current blazes.

The Old Trails Fire ignited Saturday northwest of downtown Spokane, crossing the Spokane River and razing neighborhoods. By Monday the three fires had burned about 12.5 square miles. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds have provided some relief, but officials expect hot, dry conditions to return later in the week.

More than 1,000 firefighters, many from out-of-state, are battling the flames, and the number is expected to double. State officials have asked the federal government for an expedited emergency declaration to aid response efforts.

Residents who have returned to their properties describe extensive loss. Angela Deatherage said her home was reduced to ash, while other homeowners reported only chimneys or foundations remaining.

“There’s nothing to save,” said Miriam Sim, 76, after surveying the ruins of her long-time home.

Authorities continue to search for missing persons, though most reports have been resolved. They also warned against flying drones near the fire zones, citing interference with aerial firefighting operations.