A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of intentionally igniting the Old Trails Fire, one of several catastrophic wildfires that have devastated Washington state, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.
Aaron Forrest Farinacci, 37, was taken into custody on Monday in connection with the rapidly spreading blaze near Spokane, according to the Associated Press. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office stated that Farinacci was booked on suspicion of arson and is being held on a $1 million bond. It is unknown if he has retained legal counsel.
Investigators believe the Old Trails Fire was deliberately set after a witness reported seeing a man in a wooded area shortly before smoke became visible. Farinacci was apprehended less than a mile from the fire scene, allegedly in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
Court records indicate Farinacci has a significant criminal history. He was initially charged with first-degree murder in the 2010 killing of his father in Arizona. That charge was later dismissed following a grand jury indictment, and in 2012, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault.
The Old Trails Fire ignited on Saturday and quickly became one of Washington's most destructive fires. Powerful winds, drought conditions, and extreme heat fueled its rapid growth. Combined with other major fires around Spokane, these blazes have destroyed at least 700 structures, scorched approximately 12.5 square miles, and led to evacuation orders affecting about 67,000 people.
Residents returning to some neighborhoods on Monday encountered scenes of widespread destruction, with entire streets reduced to ash, burned-out vehicles, and collapsed homes. In many instances, only chimneys remained standing.
More than 1,000 firefighters from Washington and neighboring states have been deployed to combat the uncontained blazes. Calmer weather on Monday aided efforts to slow the fires, though hotter and drier conditions are forecast for later in the week.
Despite the extensive damage, no deaths or major injuries have been reported. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office received nearly 300 missing persons reports following the evacuations, but by Monday evening, all but 14 had been accounted for, with officials believing the remaining individuals have likely not yet checked in with family.
Washington's congressional delegation has requested an expedited emergency declaration from President Joe Biden, citing the complete loss of homes and farms for hundreds of residents and ongoing efforts to extinguish smoldering embers.