A 37-year-old man with a prior manslaughter conviction has been arrested in connection with the largest wildfire currently burning in the Spokane, Washington region, where thousands have been forced from their homes and hundreds of structures have been destroyed.
Aaron Farinacci was taken into custody Monday without incident after a judge issued an arrest warrant based on allegations of first-degree arson. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels announced the arrest at an evening news conference, stating that a SWAT team assisted in apprehending the suspect. Farinacci is being held on $1 million bond.
The arrest followed a witness report to police describing a man behaving suspiciously near the Old Trails Fire shortly before it ignited around 10 a.m. Saturday. According to Sheriff Nowels, the witness observed the individual looking into trees and later saw him crouching beside a road near grass. The man then “stood up and looked very nervous” before walking away from the scene.
Deputies detained Farinacci that same day approximately half a mile from the fire’s point of origin and questioned him before releasing him. At the time of his detention, Farinacci possessed waterproof matches and a butane lighter, items which authorities noted could have been used to ignite the blaze.
By Sunday, major crimes detectives had established a connection between the suspect and the fire. “Detectives determined that the origin of the fire was indeed exactly where the witnesses had seen Mr. Farinacci kneeling in the grass,” Sheriff Nowels stated.
Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney Preston McCollam revealed that Farinacci was known to walk in the area previously and had been questioned about “arson-related behavior” in the past, though he was never arrested or convicted on such charges. McCollam also disclosed that Farinacci has a criminal record in Arizona, including a manslaughter conviction.
The Old Trails Fire represents the largest of three wildfires currently affecting the Spokane region. The blazes have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and caused extensive property damage throughout the area.
As of Monday night, it remained unclear whether Farinacci has been formally charged or has retained legal counsel. The Spokane County public defender’s office had not responded to requests for comment.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage and assess the ongoing threat to the community. Fire crews remain on scene battling the flames as displaced residents await word on when they might return to their homes.
This case underscores the serious consequences of arson, particularly in regions vulnerable to wildfire. With dry conditions persisting throughout the Pacific Northwest, authorities have emphasized the critical importance of fire prevention and the severe penalties facing those who deliberately set fires that endanger lives and property.
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