Aaron Farinacci Arrested as Suspect in Spokane Wildfires That Destroyed Hundreds of Homes
Aaron Farinacci was arrested and charged with first-degree arson after being identified as the man who allegedly started the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires tearing through the Spokane area. The fires, fueled by persistent drought and high temperatures, consumed over 10,000 acres of land and forced more than 65,000 people to evacuate. Local resident Paul Child spotted Farinacci kneeling in the grass near the fire's origin, and his description helped law enforcement identify the suspect. While Farinacci initially denied starting the fire, investigators determined the cause was consistent with an open flame from a match or lighter, which Farinacci was found carrying. The wildfires razed approximately 700 structures, leaving many residents, such as Jason Dalton and Nikolas Shover, to search for new housing. While no deaths or injuries were reported immediately, the devastation has left the community in shock as they begin to plan for the future.