Spokane County Sheriff's deputies have taken a suspect into custody in connection with the devastating Old Trails fire, which has become the most destructive of three wildfires currently burning in and around the city.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, a convicted felon, was arrested at his residence without incident and faces first-degree arson charges, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's office. Investigators also conducted a search of the suspect's home following the arrest.
The investigation gained momentum after a citizen reported observing a man in the area where the fire originated. Sheriff John Nowels explained during a press conference that the tip described someone "bending down near some grass" at the fire's starting point. Detectives initially detained and questioned Farinacci before releasing him, but major crimes investigators arrested him again as additional evidence surfaced during the ongoing investigation.
According to Sheriff Nowels, authorities believe the suspect used matches or a lighter to ignite the blaze. Both items were discovered on Farinacci at the time of his arrest.
The suspect is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, according to county prosecutor Preston McCollam. Information regarding legal representation for Farinacci was not immediately available, the Associated Press reported.
While the arrest represents a significant development, authorities emphasized that the investigation into the causes of all three fires remains active and ongoing.
Widespread Destruction and Displacement
The three wildfires have created catastrophic conditions across the Spokane region since breaking out over the weekend. Approximately 65,000 residents have been forced from their homes, while roughly 700 buildings have been destroyed. The fires have consumed 7,000 acres of land, driven by high winds, elevated temperatures, and persistently dry conditions.
Evacuation orders issued Saturday and continuing overnight into Sunday affected not only residential areas but also commercial properties, the regional Veterans Affairs hospital campus, and multiple healthcare facilities throughout the area.
Authorities have reported no deaths or injuries thus far, a fortunate outcome given the scale of the disaster.
"It's devastating," Washington Governor Bob Ferguson told NPR's Here & Now on Monday, describing neighborhoods that had been "wiped out." The governor characterized Spokane as resembling a "war zone" in the aftermath of the fires.
Evacuees Seek Shelter
The Spokane Convention Center has been transformed into a Red Cross shelter, providing refuge for hundreds of displaced residents, including many elderly individuals. Nursing staff have been assisting evacuees with basic needs, including helping people change clothes behind makeshift privacy screens created with blankets.
Among those seeking shelter is Charlie Patrick, 54, who is disabled and evacuated her apartment on Saturday with no possessions. Patrick, staying with her son at the shelter, faces an agonizing wait to learn whether her home survived the flames.
"I hope it is still there," Patrick said, struggling to contain her emotions, according to NPR. "I have a lot of memories and pictures and stuff of my family I can't get back."
Firefighting Efforts and Federal Response
Firefighters worked Monday and Tuesday to capitalize on a temporary reduction in wind speeds to establish containment lines around the blazes. However, forecasters predict another heat wave will arrive mid-week, potentially complicating suppression efforts.
Mayor Lisa Brown described the situation facing the city of 230,000 residents as "an unprecedented situation" during an interview with NPR's Morning Edition.
Governor Ferguson confirmed he spoke with President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Sunday regarding the crisis. The governor has submitted a request to the federal government for an emergency declaration to provide immediate relief assistance.
The requested federal aid encompasses housing support, food assistance, and search and rescue resources to help the community respond to and recover from the disaster.
