Aaron F. Farinacci Arrested for Alleged Arson of Destructive Spokane Wildfire
Spokane resident Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested Monday on a preliminary charge of first-degree arson regarding the Old Trails Fire, the most destructive of three major wildfires currently scorching eastern Washington. The blazes have destroyed over 700 structures and forced approximately 65,000 residents to evacuate as flames engulfed more than 10,000 acres. Authorities identified Farinacci after a witness spotted him kneeling near the fire's origin on Saturday. Although Farinacci initially denied starting the fire, investigators determined the cause was consistent with an open flame from a match or lighter, both of which were found in his possession. Farinacci, 37, previously served a decade in prison for manslaughter after killing his father in 2010. While the fires have caused significant property damage, no deaths or injuries have been reported. Firefighters are currently working to contain the flames as temperatures rise, with thousands of personnel from across the state and outside Washington assisting in the containment efforts.