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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 4, 2026Miami-Dade

Spokane County Sheriff arrests man for arson in connection with Old Trails Fire

Authorities have arrested 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci on a first-degree arson charge related to the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three active wildfires currently burning in Spokane. The fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced the evacuation of approximately 67,000 residents.

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Why It Matters

The wildfires have caused widespread property destruction and displacement for thousands of Spokane residents, with emergency services currently stretched as they manage ongoing evacuation orders and firefighting efforts.

Key Facts

  • Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested and charged with first-degree arson regarding the Old Trails Fire.
  • The suspect's bond is set at $1 million.
  • The three wildfires have destroyed at least 700 buildings.
  • Approximately 67,000 people have been forced to evacuate.
  • The fires have burned approximately 16 square miles as of early Tuesday.
  • There are 14 outstanding missing persons reports remaining from an initial 300.
  • More than 1,000 firefighters are currently deployed to the region.
  • The state's congressional delegation has requested an expedited emergency declaration from the President.
  • The suspect has a prior felony manslaughter conviction in Arizona.
  • Authorities have warned against flying drones near fire zones to avoid delaying aerial firefighting.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSpokane County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency leading the investigation”other14“Number of outstanding missing persons reports”other67,000“Number of people evacuated”personJohn Nowels“Spokane County Sheriff”personAaron F. Farinacci“Suspect arrested for first-degree arson”other700“Number of buildings destroyed”other1,000“Number of firefighters deployed”personPreston McCollam“Spokane County Prosecutor”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”