In Spokane, Washington, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office has detained a suspect in connection with the Old Trails fire. This blaze is the most destructive among the three wildfires currently burning around this eastern Washington city.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci, a convicted felon, was apprehended at his home. He faces charges of first-degree arson. According to Sheriff John Nowels, a tip from a citizen who saw a man bending down near some grass where the fire started led to Farinacci’s arrest. Initially questioned and released, Farinacci was later re-arrested as the investigation developed. Matches and a lighter were found on him during his arrest.
County prosecutor Preston McCollam indicated that Farinacci is set to make his first court appearance on Tuesday. It remains unclear if Farinacci has legal representation, as reported by The Associated Press.
The wildfires have been exacerbated by high winds, elevated temperatures, and dry conditions. Since last weekend, these fires have displaced 65,000 individuals, destroyed approximately 700 buildings, and ravaged 7,000 acres.
Three Spokane Fire Department members were seen in front of burned-out homes in Spokane’s Balboa neighborhood. Authorities reported no deaths or injuries, but evacuations have included businesses and healthcare facilities, such as the Veterans Affairs hospital campus. Many evacuees have sought shelter at Spokane Convention Center and a Red Cross facility.
One evacuee, Charlie Patrick, aged 54 and disabled, is staying at this shelter with her son. She evacuated without her belongings and is uncertain if her apartment survived. Holding back tears, she expressed her hopes: “I have a lot of memories and pictures and stuff of my family I can’t get back.”
Firefighters aimed to exploit a temporary break in high winds early in the week to control the fires. Another heat wave is anticipated midweek. Spokane’s Mayor Lisa Brown described the city’s situation as unprecedented, with hundreds, including many elderly, housed in the Red Cross shelter in downtown Spokane. Nursing staff provided assistance behind blankets.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson stated in an NPR interview that Spokane had been transformed into a “war zone.” He remarked on the devastation, noting neighborhoods had been “wiped out.” Ferguson mentioned discussions with President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about an emergency declaration for immediate relief, which includes housing, food, and search and rescue support.