Authorities arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, one of several devastating wildfires burning in eastern Washington state. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office stated that Aaron F. Farinacci was booked into jail on a $1 million bond. It was not immediately clear if he had legal representation.
The Old Trails Fire, which ignited on Saturday, is among the most destructive blazes in state history. Combined, the fires have destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted approximately 67,000 residents to evacuate. Some residents returning early Monday found their homes reduced to rubble, with only chimneys remaining in some instances. Miriam Sim, 76, described the scene, stating, "There’s nothing to save," after surveying the ruins of the home she and her husband had lived in since 2005.
The fires, which had burned about 12.5 square miles by Monday, jumped roads and rivers. Smoke and haze filled the sky, though calmer winds and lower temperatures began to aid firefighters. However, conditions were expected to become hot and dry again by midweek.
In one Spokane neighborhood, charred vehicles and melted plastic bins were visible, while nearby homes remained untouched as residents continued to water their properties. The state's congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Monday requesting an expedited emergency declaration, noting that "hundreds of people have completely lost their homes and farms."
While nearly 300 reports of missing people were initially received by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, authorities reported that all but 14 had been cleared by Monday. Officials believe the remaining reports are more likely due to a lack of contact after evacuation rather than individuals being truly missing or in danger. No deaths or major injuries have been reported.
Fire officials stated the Spokane-area wildfires were entirely uncontained. Over 1,000 firefighters, many from out of state, were on the scene by Monday, with that number expected to double in the coming days. These fires are part of dozens burning across the Western U.S., straining the resources of federal, state, and local agencies. Washington alone has seen at least 390 square miles burn amid severe drought conditions and low snowpack.
Authorities issued warnings against flying drones near the burned areas, as such activity could delay aerial firefighting efforts.
Angela and Wayde Deatherage, both 49, evacuated their home Saturday afternoon, taking only a few bins of family photos and heirloom rings. Approximately 30 minutes later, Angela received fire notifications on her phone. Wayde, returning to the area, confirmed their house was destroyed. He managed to help save a neighbor's home by propping a hose to spray the property.
Karen Faggioli, 61, learned from a relative that her house and three vehicles were destroyed, as was her daughter's nearby home. Faggioli, who is recovering from breast cancer, expressed resilience, stating, "We're strong — and now we get all new things. I’m emotionally numb."
Friends and family of fire victims have created online appeals for financial assistance, clothing, and essential supplies.
Meanwhile, other parts of the Western U.S. are also battling significant fires. In western Idaho and eastern Oregon, a lightning-caused fire has burned over 530 square miles of grassland and threatens more than 600 homes and 800 other structures. In central Utah, a blaze quadrupled in size over the weekend to nearly 109 square miles, killing more than 100 cattle. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the southern portion of Fillmore, Utah, a town of about 2,600 people.
In Spokane, the city's main convention center has been converted into a shelter, housing approximately 400 people. Spokane Public Schools has also established a free emergency drop-in camp for children.