Man arrested for allegedly igniting Spokane wildfire that destroyed hundreds of structures
A 37-year-old Spokane resident was detained on suspicion of first-degree arson for starting the Old Trails Fire, one of three blazes that have destroyed more than 700 buildings and forced evacuations for tens of thousands.
Spokane County authorities arrested Aaron Farinacci, 37, on Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires burning near Spokane, Washington. Sheriff John Nowels said a witness saw Farinacci kneeling near the grass where the fire began and that he was found with waterproof matches and a butane lighter. Farinacci, who has a prior manslaughter conviction, was booked on a $1 million bond.
The fires, which ignited Saturday amid extreme drought, high heat and strong winds, have destroyed more than 700 buildings, with another 400 structures still awaiting assessment, according to local officials. About 67,000 residents remain under evacuation orders across the three blazes.
Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as “likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane history.” Residents such as Anna Andreachi, whose home was lost, said they have lost all of their possessions. Joe Cvancara, who saved his own house by digging a fire line, expressed mixed feelings about surviving while neighbors’ homes were destroyed.
As of Monday, no fatalities have been reported, though sheriff’s officials said they are still trying to contact 14 people who may be missing. The Old Trails and Fairview fires continue to burn, while firefighters focus on containing the Autumn Lane Fire.
Daniel Ramey, a spokesperson for the California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 assisting with the response, warned that rising temperatures expected later in the week could complicate suppression efforts. He noted that the fires are occurring in the wildland-urban interface, where dry vegetation and nearby structures increase fire risk.
The Pacific Northwest is experiencing one of its worst fire seasons in three decades, with at least 16 major fires active in Washington state and additional large fires burning in Utah and Idaho.