A Washington man was arrested Monday on a first-degree arson charge linked to the Old Trails Fire near Spokane. Authorities said the fire was the largest of three destructive wildfires burning in the area and remained uncontained. The fires had destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted evacuation orders affecting about 67,000 people by Monday. More than 1,000 firefighters were working to contain the blazes.
Investigators said citizen tips, information from Airway Heights police officers, and accounts from Spokane County deputies helped establish probable cause. The suspect was arrested without incident and held in the Spokane County Jail on $1 million bond. Officials said they had not connected him to two other major fires in the region.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Arrest follows investigation into Old Trails Fire |
| 2) | Evidence and public information guided detectives |
| 3) | Wildfires caused widespread damage and evacuations |
| 4) | Officials caution that the case remains under investigation |
| 5) | State declares wildfire emergency amid dangerous conditions |
Arrest follows investigation into Old Trails Fire
Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested Monday after detectives with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from the Washington Department of Natural Resources developed probable cause in the Old Trails Fire case. Authorities obtained an arrest warrant and a search warrant for a residence in the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive.
Deputies served the warrant and took Farinacci into custody without incident. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail and was being held on $1 million bond. The first-degree arson charge concerns the Old Trails Fire, which was first reported Saturday near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road.
Evidence and public information guided detectives
The investigation drew on information from members of the public, Airway Heights police officers, and Spokane County sheriff’s deputies who responded to the initial call and helped evacuate residents. Officials said these accounts contributed to the development of probable cause against Farinacci.
Authorities said Farinacci is a convicted felon from Arizona, but they found no documented criminal history involving fires. During his detention and search, investigators found a butane lighter and waterproof matches. The items were cited as part of the investigation, while the charge remains an allegation to be resolved through the legal process.
Wildfires caused widespread damage and evacuations
The Old Trails Fire was one of three major fires burning around Spokane and was described by authorities as the largest of the group. It remained uncontained Monday as firefighters worked across the affected area. The Autumn Lane and Fairview fires were also burning nearby.
Together, the fires destroyed at least 700 structures and led to evacuation orders affecting approximately 67,000 people, according to figures reported Monday. The scale of the destruction forced residents to leave communities across the Spokane area while emergency crews addressed active fire threats and damage.
Officials caution that the case remains under investigation
Officials have not connected Farinacci to the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said investigators would examine whether Farinacci may have committed other crimes, but emphasized that the first-degree arson charge was the offense supported by probable cause at that stage.
“We will be looking into any other crimes Mr. Farinacci may have committed in the past,” Nowels said.
Nowels also cautioned that the case could change as investigators collect additional evidence. That leaves the broader circumstances surrounding the fires unresolved while the criminal case proceeds.
State declares wildfire emergency amid dangerous conditions
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency Saturday as drought, unusually high temperatures, and strong winds increased fire risks. The declaration imposed a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30.
The emergency declaration came as more than 1,000 firefighters battled the three Spokane-area fires. The restrictions and expanded response were intended to reduce additional ignition risks while crews focused on protecting communities, containing the existing fires, and supporting evacuation operations.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested on a first-degree arson charge tied to the Old Trails Fire. |
| 2 | He was held in Spokane County Jail on $1 million bond. |
| 3 | Three fires destroyed at least 700 structures and affected about 67,000 evacuees. |
| 4 | Investigators have not linked Farinacci to the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires. |
| 5 | Washington imposed restrictions on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30. |
Summary
The arrest gives investigators a criminal lead in the Old Trails Fire, but authorities have cautioned that the case remains subject to additional evidence and possible changes. The wider Spokane wildfire emergency continues, with significant structural destruction, mass evacuations, and dangerous weather and fuel conditions driving the response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in connection with the Old Trails Fire?
Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson.
What was found during the arrest?
Authorities said investigators found a butane lighter and waterproof matches while detaining and searching Farinacci.
How extensive was the wildfire damage?
Three fires had destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted evacuation orders affecting approximately 67,000 people by Monday.
Has the suspect been linked to the other Spokane-area fires?
No. Officials said investigators had not connected Farinacci to the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.