SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane County authorities arrested a man on first-degree arson charges connected to a major wildfire tearing through eastern Washington. Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was booked on suspicion of starting the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three active blazes in Spokane County.
Sheriff John Nowels confirmed the charge Monday as firefighters battled destruction across the region. Farinacci is being held on $1 million bond.
The three fires have destroyed hundreds of structures and forced at least 60,000 people from their homes. State agencies are coordinating with county officials to manage the crisis.
Emergency crews from multiple jurisdictions are working to contain all three blazes. The Old Trails Fire has spread rapidly across varied terrain, presenting the largest challenge for responders.
Law enforcement has not released details on the evidence behind Farinacci's arrest. Investigations into the cause of the other two fires are ongoing.
Authorities have expanded evacuation zones, deployed additional firefighting personnel and established temporary shelters for displaced residents.
The destruction of hundreds of structures represents billions in property losses, and the displacement of 60,000 residents will strain local services and infrastructure for months. Federal aid typically becomes available after a presidential disaster declaration, which officials said could be a next step.
Local officials are preparing for extensive recovery efforts once the fires are contained, including rebuilding homes, restoring utilities and addressing environmental damage.
