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Man Arrested on Suspicion of Arson in Spokane Wildfire
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested in Spokane County, Washington, on suspicion of starting the Old Trails fire, one of three blazes that forced over 65,000 people to evacuate and destroyed more than 700 buildings.
- Farinacci was charged with first-degree arson after a resident reported seeing him acting nervously near the fire's ignition site, and investigators found he was carrying waterproof matches and a butane lighter at the time of arrest.
- Deputies initially stopped and questioned Farinacci but released him due to the worsening fires; body camera footage later helped identify him as a suspect.
- Farinacci has a prior criminal record, including a 2012 guilty plea for manslaughter and aggravated assault related to his father's death.
- Spokane County prosecutors indicated the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed, urging the public to assist with information.
