Man charged with setting largest Spokane wildfire went to prison for killing father

Key Points:

• Aaron F. Farinacci, previously imprisoned for killing his father in 2010, has been charged with first-degree arson for allegedly setting the Old Trails Fire, the largest wildfire near Spokane, Washington, which has destroyed at least 700 buildings and displaced about 67,000 people.
• Farinacci was identified after a tip from a community member and was found with matches and a lighter; he denies setting the fire and is currently held on a $1 million bond awaiting a court hearing.
• The Old Trails Fire began Saturday and spread rapidly, burning approximately 16 square miles and devastating neighborhoods, with firefighting efforts complicated by expected high temperatures and wind conditions.
• Despite the extensive destruction, no deaths or major injuries have been reported; over 1,000 firefighters are battling the fires, which are part of a larger outbreak affecting the Western U.S. amid severe drought conditions.
• Residents returning to their neighborhoods face significant loss, with many homes reduced to ashes, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing efforts to support displaced families.