SPOKANE, Washington—A 37-year-old man has been charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of the wildfires that have devastated the Spokane area, authorities said, as firefighters continued battling blazes that have destroyed hundreds of structures and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said Aaron Farinacci was arrested after investigators developed evidence linking him to the fire's point of origin following a witness report of suspicious activity near the roadside where the blaze began. Court records show Farinacci denied starting the fire when initially questioned. Authorities later arrested him after investigators said they ruled out other potential ignition sources.
Farinacci appeared in court by video and was ordered held on $1 million bond, according to court proceedings. It was not immediately clear whether he had entered a plea or retained legal representation. Prosecutors allege he intentionally started the fire, an allegation that has not been proven in court.
Officials said the Old Trails Fire is one of three major wildfires that have swept through the Spokane region during a period of hot, dry and windy conditions. The fires have burned more than 10,000 acres, damaged or destroyed more than 700 buildings and prompted evacuation orders affecting roughly 64,000 people. Authorities have reported no confirmed wildfire-related deaths.
Fire crews remained deployed across the affected areas on Wednesday, with containment efforts continuing as weather conditions threatened to complicate operations. Officials said the investigation into the cause of the wildfire remains active, and authorities have not announced any additional charges or arrests.
