NewsWPLG Local 10August 4, 2026Miami-Dade
Spokane County Sheriff arrests arson suspect as wildfires destroy 700 buildings
Authorities have arrested 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci on a first-degree arson charge linked 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.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The ongoing wildfires have caused significant property loss for hundreds of residents and triggered a request for an expedited federal emergency declaration to manage the disaster response.
Key Facts
- Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire.
- The suspect is being held on a $1 million bond.
- At least 700 buildings have been destroyed by the three wildfires.
- Approximately 67,000 people have been forced to evacuate.
- The Old Trails Fire has burned approximately 16 square miles.
- More than 1,000 firefighters are currently working to contain the blazes.
- Authorities have cleared all but 14 of the initial 300 missing person reports.
- Washington'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 the public not to fly drones near the fire zones to avoid delaying aerial operations.
Who's Mentioned
organizationSpokane County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency handling the investigation”other14“Number of outstanding missing person 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”