'Like a bomb' - Residents react after Spokane fires destroy hundreds of homes

August 4, 2026

Devastating wildfires swept through the Spokane area in eastern Washington state over the weekend, forcing more than 60,000 residents to flee their homes and destroying over 700 residences. Authorities have taken a 37-year-old local man named Aaron Farinacci into custody on first-degree arson charges related to the Old Trails Fire, which was the largest and most damaging of three major fires in the region. Investigators believe this fire was deliberately set using matches or a lighter that were discovered on Farinacci when he was arrested, and he is currently being held on a one million dollar bond.

Who is affected

More than 60,000 Spokane-area residents who were forced to evacuate
Over 700 homeowners whose homes were destroyed
Aaron Farinacci, 37, a Spokane resident arrested and charged
Eastern Washington state communities impacted by the three major wildfires

What action is being taken

Authorities are holding Aaron Farinacci on $1 million bond
Investigators are conducting an investigation into the fire's origin

Why it matters

This incident matters because it represents one of the most destructive wildfire events in the Spokane area, displacing tens of thousands of residents and destroying hundreds of homes. The suspected arson nature of the largest fire raises serious public safety concerns about intentionally set fires. The scale of displacement and property loss will have long-lasting impacts on the affected communities, even though fortunately no deaths or injuries were reported.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC