A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson for allegedly starting one of three fires burning in the Spokane area, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
Aaron Farinacci was taken into custody Monday and is charged with first-degree arson, officials said. He is being held on a $1 million bond and is expected to appear in court Tuesday.
Witness report led to identification
Sheriff John Nowels said a witness reported seeing a man in the area “looking very nervous.” When the witness returned home, he saw smoke coming from what was believed to be the area where he said he saw the man. The witness then called police to report his observations.
Farinacci was found about a mile and a half from where the fire was burning, according to authorities. He was detained, questioned and later released that same day. Officials said Farinacci was in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter at the time.
Fire details
The Old Trails Fire was initially reported Aug. 1 at approximately 12:00 p.m., near the intersection of N. Old Trails Road and W. Euclid Road.
The sheriff’s office said an investigation is ongoing, as is the investigation into the Autumn Lane and Fairview Fires. All three fires ignited Saturday afternoon, and together they are being called the Spokane Complex Fire.
As of Monday afternoon, the three fires had burned more than 10,000 acres with 0% containment, according to officials. At least 700 structures, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed.
Unprecedented destruction
“It’s unprecedented in this community. Frankly, it’s unprecedented in many areas of this country,” Tom Clemo, the fire incident commander, said at a news conference Monday with Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson.