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

A man with a history of violence has been charged with intentionally setting the largest wildfire that has devastated Spokane, Washington. Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, faces a charge of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, which has destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.

Farinacci, who previously served prison time for killing his father in 2010, was arrested after a tip from a community member led authorities to him. While he initially denied setting the fire, claiming he carried matches and a lighter because he smokes, investigators identified him as a suspect. The fire started near where a witness reported seeing him.

The Old Trails Fire, which began Saturday, has burned approximately 16 square miles. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of two other blazes that also impacted the region. As of Tuesday morning, none of the fires were contained, and the full extent of the destruction and displacement is still unfolding.

“

As it happens in so many critical cases, it was citizens who were paying attention to their surroundings, being aware and willing to step up and say something that led to the relatively quick apprehension of Mr. Farinacci.