Authorities arrest an arson suspect in connection with wildfires in Spokane
Authorities in Spokane, Washington, have arrested a suspect in connection with one of three wildfires that tore through the area over the weekend of 2 and 3 August 2026. Aaron Farinacci, 37, a convicted felon, was detained at his home and charged with first-degree arson over the Old Trails fire. The blazes have devastated the city, prompting the governor to describe Spokane as a "war zone" and forcing a mass evacuation, with federal emergency relief now being sought.
Investigators say a member of the public reported seeing a man "bending down near some grass" close to where the Old Trails fire started, prompting officers to question him. He was later re-arrested after matches or a lighter were found on him, which police believe he used to start the fire. In total, the wildfires have burned around 7,000 acres, destroyed roughly 700 structures and forced the evacuation of about 65,000 people — nearly a quarter of Spokane's 230,000 residents — with no deaths or injuries reported. Evacuees have been sheltering at the Spokane Convention Center and Red Cross facilities, and Farinacci is due to make his first court appearance on Tuesday.
In short
- Aaron Farinacci, 37, charged with arson over Spokane's Old Trails fire
- Fires burned 7,000 acres, destroyed 700 structures, forced 65,000 evacuations
- Governor calls Spokane a "war zone"; federal relief requested
Explained simply
Spokane is a city in Washington state in the north-western United States. Wildfires can spread quickly through dry vegetation and threaten homes and other buildings, leading authorities to evacuate people from areas at risk.
The Old Trails fire is one of three fires reported near Spokane over the weekend of 2 and 3 August 2026. Investigators are looking into how it began; a person has been charged with arson, but a charge is an allegation and the case will be considered by the courts.
Large fires can disrupt daily life and damage homes, roads and public services. Evacuations also leave residents needing temporary shelter, while local and federal authorities coordinate emergency support.