Who Is Aaron Farinacci? Man Arrested in Connection With Spokane Wildfires

Aaron F. Farinacci, a 37-year-old man from Arizona, was arrested on Monday evening in connection with the Old Trails wildfire burning in eastern Washington. The Spokane County Sheriff, John Nowels, confirmed Farinacci's arrest and charged him with first-degree arson. Farinacci is being held on a $1 million bond, with his first appearance scheduled for Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. PDT at the Spokane County Superior Court.

The public defender's office will represent him if he qualifies for their services. Farinacci pleaded not guilty at the hearing, which is expected to be set for Thursday. The wildfire began on Saturday and has destroyed at least 700 structures and forced the evacuation of over 60,000 people. According to the sheriff, a witness reported seeing a man near the fire's origin point about 10 a.m. Saturday, who appeared nervous and had a pack of waterproof matches and a butane lighter.

Farinacci was detained later that day and questioned, but was initially released. Three witnesses reportedly saw Farinacci near the fire's starting location, but he has denied starting the fire and denying being in the area. Farinacci has a criminal history in Arizona, including a manslaughter conviction in 2010 for killing his father.

The Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney, Preston McCollam, mentioned Farinacci's criminal history during the arrest. The Old Trails Fire is the largest of three fires, burning around 3,600 acres northwest of Spokane by late Monday, and has been spreading rapidly through grass and brush, crossing the Spokane River and reaching residential areas.