Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson for allegedly setting the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires that have caused widespread destruction in and around Spokane, Washington.
The fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced the evacuation of approximately 67,000 people, with the blazes remaining uncontained as of Tuesday morning.
Farinacci's arrest in the investigation into the fires stemmed from a community tip. He was found to have matches and a lighter on him and had previously served prison time for manslaughter in Arizona.
In 2010, Farinacci, then age 21, shot and killed his father during an argument about washing dishes, police said at the time. Farinacci also shot himself but survived. He was charged with murder but pleaded guilty in 2012 to manslaughter and aggravated assault, records show. Farinacci was released from prison in 2020.
Firefighting efforts are ongoing with over 1,000 personnel, though conditions were expected to deteriorate due to anticipated high winds and temperatures, further challenging containment. Many residents have returned to find their homes completely incinerated, and while no deaths or major injuries have been reported, an expedited emergency declaration was approved to aid the affected areas.
IN FULL
Arson arrest after monster wildfire tears through Spokane, destroying 700 buildings
