Authorities arrest man in connection with Spokane wildfires
A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire in Spokane, Washington. The fire has destroyed hundreds of homes, and the suspect was previously questioned regarding other fire-related incidents.
Why it matters
The arrest addresses a major public safety concern following a devastating wildfire event that displaced thousands of residents.
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SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — A man charged with intentionally setting a wildfire that’s destroyed hundreds of buildings in and around Washington state’s second-largest city was contacted by law enforcement about two fires last year, though he wasn’t charged in either, court documents show.
Aaron F. Farinacci, of Spokane, was arrested Monday and booked on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the biggest of three blazes that have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes. According to court records, he denied setting the fire. His bond was set at $1 million and he was due in court later Tuesday.
Authorities haven’t said what caused the other two fires burning around Spokane. No deaths have been reported.
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