The short version
- Aaron F. Farinacci faces first-degree arson charges after witnesses identified him near the ignition point of the Old Trails fire.
- The blaze has consumed nearly 4,000 acres and contributed to evacuation orders for more than 67,000 residents in Spokane County.
- State officials are seeking federal emergency declarations as firefighting resources expand to combat persistent dry conditions and smoke.
Authorities in Washington state have charged a man with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails wildfire, which has become the most destructive of three major blazes currently burning through Spokane County. Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested after witnesses reported seeing him kneeling in grass near the area where the fire began over the weekend. Investigators found waterproof matches and a butane lighter in his possession at the time of his apprehension.
The Old Trails fire ignited on Saturday northwest of downtown Spokane. It rapidly expanded, crossing the Spokane River and damaging residential neighborhoods. By early Tuesday, the combined footprint of the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview fires had scorched approximately 16 square miles of land. The scale of the disaster forced evacuation orders for more than 67,000 people, although some restrictions were eased late Monday as conditions stabilized in certain zones.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels credited local residents with the swift identification and capture of the suspect. He noted that citizens who remained vigilant and reported suspicious activity played a critical role in resolving the case quickly. Farinacci is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday, as emergency crews continue to battle the expanding flames across the region.
The human toll of the fires is significant, with hundreds of homes, businesses, and other structures destroyed. Miriam Sim, 76, described the devastation at her long-time residence, noting that nothing remained salvageable after the blaze passed through. In some neighborhoods, the contrast between destruction and survival was stark; blackened vehicles and melted debris stood adjacent to green lawns where residents continued to use hoses to protect their properties.
Farinacci has a history of violent crime, including a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona. Reports indicate that in 2010, he shot and killed his father at their home in Mesa, allegedly after an argument over household chores. This background adds a layer of complexity to the current investigation, though authorities have focused primarily on the evidence linking him to the recent wildfire ignition.
The firefighting effort has mobilized more than 1,000 personnel, many deployed from out of state. Officials expect this number to double in the coming days as they attempt to contain the blazes using both ground crews and aerial support. Sheriff Nowels warned the public against interfering with these operations, specifically cautioning residents not to fly drones near active fire zones.
Washington state leaders are seeking additional federal assistance to manage the crisis. The entire congressional delegation from Washington wrote to President Donald Trump on Monday, urging an expedited emergency declaration. Governor Bob Ferguson had already declared a state of emergency and communicated with the White House over the weekend. They emphasized that hundreds of families have lost their homes and farms, while many others remain barred from returning due to smoldering embers.
The fires are occurring against a backdrop of extreme weather conditions. Washington is experiencing its fourth consecutive year of drought, and high temperatures have exacerbated fire risks across the state. At least 15 wildfires were burning elsewhere in Washington by Tuesday, covering roughly 390 square miles. The National Weather Service warned that unhealthy air quality due to smoke would persist through the week, with dry conditions and breezy winds expected to elevate fire danger further by Friday and Saturday.
Despite the widespread destruction, no deaths or major injuries have been reported in connection with the fires. However, authorities noted that 14 individuals remained unaccounted for. Officials clarified that these people were likely not in immediate danger but had simply lost contact with family members since evacuating. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on containment and supporting displaced residents.
Dave Upthegrove, Washington’s commissioner of public lands, characterized the current events as part of an extraordinary wildfire season for the Pacific Northwest. The combination of arson, drought, and high temperatures has created a volatile environment that challenges emergency responders. With fire weather conditions expected to worsen later in the week, authorities are bracing for continued volatility in the region.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Man charged in Washington state with starting largest wildfire in the area
