Washington Man Charged With Starting Spokane Fire

Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old resident of Spokane, has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, one of the wildfires devastating the city. The fire has destroyed over 700 structures, but there have been no reported injuries or fatalities. The investigation into the Old Trails Fire, as well as the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires, is ongoing.

As of Monday morning, these three major fires had burned more than 8,000 acres and remained uncontained. Washington is currently grappling with 17 active wildfires, collectively burning over 262,000 acres across the state. Governor Bob Ferguson has secured a federal emergency declaration, granting access to federal resources for evacuations, emergency shelters, food, water, and search and rescue operations in six counties, including Spokane, and three tribes.