A man from Washington state was taken into custody on Monday for allegedly setting the Old Trails Fire. This fire is among several wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of structures and led to mass evacuations in the Spokane area.
Aaron F. Farinacci, aged 37, was arrested by Spokane County Sheriff’s Office detectives along with investigators from the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Authorities stated that probable cause was established for his arrest.
Tips from local residents and efforts by Airway Heights police officers and Spokane County sheriff’s deputies were crucial in identifying Farinacci. The sheriff’s office described Farinacci as a felon originating from Arizona, without any prior documented criminal history related to fires.
Investigators clarified that Farinacci has not been linked to the other significant blazes in the area, specifically the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.
We will investigate any other crimes Mr. Farinacci might have committed,
stated Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels in a briefing. He noted that the arson charge is based on current evidence and the case may evolve with new information.
Detectives secured an arrest warrant for Farinacci alongside a search warrant for his home located in the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive. Farinacci was arrested without incident. Among the items found on him were a butane lighter and waterproof matches.
Farinacci has been booked into the Spokane County Jail with bail set at $1 million.
The Old Trails Fire was initially reported near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road on Saturday. It has become the largest of the three intense fires in the Spokane region, remaining uncontained as of Monday.
The trio of fires have collectively ruined at least 700 structures and led to evacuation directives for around 67,000 individuals. A force of over 1,000 firefighters continues to battle the infernos.
In response, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has announced a statewide emergency due to wildfires, citing drought conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds. He has implemented a prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning, effective until September 30.