The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended a suspect in its probe of the Old Trails fire, the most destructive of the wildfires in the Spokane area. Identified as Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old felon, he was taken into custody at home, charged with first-degree arson. A tip from a local resident who spotted a man ‘bending down near some grass’ where the fire began led investigators to Farinacci. Sheriff John Nowels mentioned that while Farinacci was initially released after questioning, further investigation resulted in his arrest. Matches or a lighter, considered possible fire-starting tools, were found on him.
Spokane’s wildfires, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, have severely impacted the region. Since last weekend, approximately 65,000 individuals have been evacuated, with 700 buildings destroyed and 7,000 acres of land scorched. Officials are still probing the fires’ causes. Meanwhile, the Spokane Convention Center and a Red Cross shelter have become sanctuaries for displaced residents. Charlie Patrick, a 54-year-old evacuee, expressed concern over her apartment’s fate, stating she left behind irreplaceable family memories.
In an effort to control the blaze, firefighters utilized a lull in high winds on Monday and Tuesday. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown described the situation as ‘unprecedented’ for the city of 230,000 people. According to Governor Bob Ferguson, entire neighborhoods in Spokane have been decimated. He noted conversations with President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin regarding an emergency declaration for immediate relief, including aid for housing, food, and search and rescue operations.
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