POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 4, 2026Miami-Dade

Spokane County Sheriff arrests suspect for first-degree arson in Old Trails Fire

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

wildfirearsonpublic safetyemergency responsehousing
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Why It Matters

The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing emergency response to wildfires that have caused widespread property destruction and displacement for thousands of Spokane-area residents.

Key Facts

  • Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested and booked on suspicion of first-degree arson.
  • The Old Trails Fire has destroyed at least 700 buildings.
  • Approximately 67,000 people were forced to evacuate due to the fires.
  • The fires have burned approximately 12.5 square miles as of Monday.
  • More than 1,000 firefighters are currently working to contain the blazes.
  • Only 14 people remain on the list of missing persons out of an initial 300 reports.
  • The suspect was found in possession of matches and a butane lighter at the time of detention.
  • The suspect has a prior felony manslaughter conviction in Arizona.
  • The state's congressional delegation has requested an expedited emergency declaration from the President.
  • Authorities have warned the public not to fly drones near the fire zones.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSpokane County Sheriff’s Office“Law enforcement agency handling the investigation”otherOld Trails Fire“Largest wildfire in the area”other67,000“Number of people evacuated”personJohn Nowels“Spokane County Sheriff”personAaron F. Farinacci“Suspect arrested for arson”locationSpokane“City affected by wildfires”other700“Number of buildings destroyed”other1,000“Number of firefighters deployed”personPreston McCollam“Spokane County Prosecutor”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”