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Arson arrest made over largest of Washington state's wildfires

August 4, 2026

A 37-year-old man named Aaron Farinacci has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails fire, the largest of three major wildfires devastating Spokane, Washington. The blazes have forced over 60,000 residents to evacuate and destroyed more than 700 buildings, with hundreds more structures awaiting damage assessment. Authorities are attempting to locate 14 people they haven't been able to contact by phone, though officials believe most likely evacuated safely but have communication issues.

Who is affected

  • More than 60,000 evacuated Spokane residents
  • Residents who lost homes, including Anna Andreachi and her family
  • Residents whose homes survived, such as Joe Cvancara
  • 14 people authorities have been unable to contact by phone
  • More than 900 firefighters assigned to Washington fires
  • Aaron Farinacci (arrested suspect)

What action is being taken

  • Firefighters are working to contain the flames across three major fires in Spokane
  • Authorities are trying to make contact with 14 people they cannot reach by phone
  • More than 900 firefighters have been assigned to the Washington fires
  • Helicopters are flying overhead trying to extinguish flames
  • Governor Ferguson has issued a statewide ban on all outdoor fires

Why it matters

  • This is described as likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane history, with over 700 buildings destroyed and thousands of acres burned. The situation demonstrates the severe threat wildfires pose to populated areas, particularly as climate change creates warmer, drier conditions that increase wildfire frequency and intensity. With firefighters already stretched thin across the state and more heat expected, the disaster highlights the ongoing vulnerability of communities to devastating fires.

What's next

  • Reinforcements from other states are expected to arrive soon to assist firefighters
  • Rising temperatures are feared to return later this week
  • Aaron Farinacci is being held on $1 million bond on first-degree arson charges
  • 400 additional buildings still need to be assessed for damage

Read full article from source: BBC

Arson arrest made over largest of Washington state's wildfires