Man Arrested in Connection with Major Wildfire in Eastern Washington

A 37-year-old man was arrested on Monday on suspicion of starting a large wildfire that is devastating eastern Washington.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office reported that Aaron F. Farinacci was detained on suspicion of arson related to the Old Trails Fire. He is being held on a $1 million bond. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has legal representation.

The fire, which began on Saturday, is one of several blazes near Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city. Collectively, these fires have obliterated at least 700 structures and forced more than 60,000 people to evacuate.

Details on Aaron Farinacci

Farinacci was taken into custody around 5 p.m. local time on Monday and charged with first-degree arson, according to Sheriff John Nowels.

The arrest occurred after a witness reported seeing a man near where the Old Trails Fire originated shortly before it ignited around 10 a.m. on Saturday. The witness observed the man gazing into the trees before crouching beside a road near a grassy area. The man then appeared nervous and walked away, Nowels explained.

Deputies apprehended Farinacci later that day about half a mile from the initial site of the fire, questioned him, but released him initially. Nowels indicated that Farinacci possessed waterproof matches and a butane lighter, either of which could start a fire.

Investigating major crimes detectives connected Farinacci to the fire on Sunday. They confirmed that the fire’s origin was at the precise location where the witness spotted Mr. Farinacci kneeling in the grass, Nowels said.

Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney Preston McCollam added that Farinacci has a criminal history in Arizona, including a manslaughter conviction.

This situation is developing. More information will be provided as it becomes available.