Arson Suspect Arrested in Spokane Wildfires as 60,000 Evacuate

SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane authorities arrested Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, on Monday, charging him with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, one of three major wildfires burning across Spokane County as at least 60,000 residents flee their homes.

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office booked Farinacci after a witness reported seeing him kneeling near the ignition point of the Old Trails Fire, the largest of the three blazes.

Hundreds of structures have been destroyed across the county. Tens of thousands of displaced residents are seeking temporary shelter.

Fire crews are working continuously to contain the spread and protect remaining properties. The scale of the fires has strained local emergency services and drawn significant resources from state agencies.

Authorities are still investigating the origins of the other two wildfires.

Local officials have begun assessing long-term recovery needs for affected residents.

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office booked Farinacci after a witness reported seeing him kneeling near the ignition point of the Old Trails Fire, the largest of the three blazes.

Hundreds of structures have been destroyed across the county. Tens of thousands of displaced residents are seeking temporary shelter.

Authorities are still investigating the origins of the other two wildfires.

Local officials have begun assessing long-term recovery needs for affected residents.