Authorities in Washington state have arrested a man accused of starting the Old Trails Fire, one of three large wildfires that have leveled hundreds of structures and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in the Spokane area.
The suspect was identified as Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, who faces a charge of first-degree arson, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office reported.
The investigation was supported by citizen complaints
According to authorities, detectives from the Sheriff's Office and specialists from the Washington Department of Natural Resources gathered enough evidence to establish probable cause and request his arrest.
The investigation relied on information provided by citizens, as well as officers from the Airway Heights Police Department and Sheriff's Office who responded to the initial report of the fire and participated in evacuations.
Authorities noted that Farinacci is a convicted felon from Arizona, although they indicated that they found no documented history related to arson.
They do not link it to the other active fires
Investigators stated that, at the moment, there is no evidence linking Farinacci with the other two large fires that remain active in the area: Autumn Lane and Fairview.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels indicated that the first-degree arson charge is the one currently supported by the available evidence, although he cautioned that the investigation is still developing and new elements could emerge.
“We will investigate any other crimes that Mr. Farinacci may have committed in the past,” Nowels stated during a press conference.
They found a lighter and matches during his arrest
After obtaining a warrant, authorities searched the suspect's home, located in the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive.
Farinacci was detained on Monday without incident and, during the procedure, agents found a butane lighter and waterproof matches among his belongings.
He was later transferred to the Spokane County Jail, where he remains detained with bail set at $1 million.
The Old Trails Fire was first reported Saturday near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road.
It has since become the largest of three fires affecting the Spokane area and, as of Monday, remained uncontained.
According to authorities and press reports, the three fires have destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted evacuation orders affecting approximately 67,000 people.
More than 1,000 firefighters are working to control the flames.
Washington maintains forest fire emergency
Given the magnitude of the fires and the conditions of drought, high temperatures and strong winds, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency for wildfires throughout Washington on Saturday.
The measure also established a ban, effective until September 30, on most open burning and agricultural burning, with the goal of reducing the risk of new fires while response efforts continue.
