Spokane Wildfire Arson Arrest

Aaron Farinacci was arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires that have devastated the United States — Spokane, Washington, Washington area. The fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings, forced the evacuation of approximately 67,000 people, and burned over 8,000 acres. Farinacci, a convicted felon with a prior manslaughter conviction, was identified through a citizen tip and later arrested after investigators determined the fire's origin matched his location. He denied setting the fire and is held on $1 million bond. The other two fires are also believed to be human-caused, though not necessarily intentional. No deaths have been reported. Firefighting efforts have been hampered by high winds and dry conditions, with over 1,000 firefighters deployed. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson requested and received an expedited federal emergency declaration from President Donald Trump.