Washington Wildfire Arson: 700 Homes Lost, Suspect Arrested

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on first-degree arson charges in connection with the devastating Old Trails Fire — one of the most destructive wildfires in Washington state history — that has already destroyed more than 700 structures and forced the evacuation of approximately 67,000 residents in the Spokane area.

How the Fire Started and the Arrest

The suspect, identified as Aaron F. Farinacci, was taken into custody Monday near the fire's origin after a tip from a local resident who reported a man acting nervously along the roadside near Euclid and Old Trails roads. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said Farinacci was carrying waterproof matches and a butane lighter when officers first contacted him about 1.5 miles from the ignition point. Detectives later developed probable cause linking him to the intentional start of the blaze, which erupted Saturday and swiftly exploded under 35–45 mph winds.

Farinacci has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona for the 2010 shooting death of his father in Mesa, which followed an argument over household chores. He is being held on $1 million bail and was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. Authorities have not linked him to the other two fires burning nearby — the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires — and have found no prior fire-related criminal history.

Scale of Destruction: Washington's Most Destructive Wildfire

The Old Trails Fire alone consumed roughly 640 structures in its initial run, pushing the total loss across the Spokane complex beyond 700 homes and businesses. Incident Commander Tom Clemo called it "probably the largest, most destructive fire in Washington's history." By Monday, the combined acreage of the three Spokane-area fires exceeded 8,000 acres with zero percent containment.

Statewide, over 250,000 acres have burned across at least 15 simultaneous wildfires, prompting Governor Bob Ferguson to declare a statewide emergency and impose a burn ban through September 30. More than 1,100 firefighters — many from out of state, including an unprecedented deployment from California's CAL FIRE agency — are battling the flames, and additional crews are en route.

Evacuations and Missing Persons

Approximately 67,000 people have been ordered to flee their homes, with the Spokane Convention Center serving as the main shelter. Initially, nearly 300 missing-person reports overwhelmed local police, but that number dropped to 14 by Monday as evacuees reestablished contact with loved ones. Authorities caution that casualties may yet be discovered as search teams reach areas previously cut off by flames.

Climate Change Fuels a Record-Breaking Fire Season

The Spokane disaster is part of an extraordinary Pacific Northwest wildfire season. Nationwide, more than 44,000 wildfires have burned nearly 5.2 million acres so far in 2026. Scientists and fire officials increasingly point to human-caused climate change and prolonged drought as key drivers of the earlier, longer, and more intense fire seasons now plaguing the western United States.

"These are not just forest fires anymore — they're urban conflagrations," said one fire behavior analyst. "The line between wildland and city has blurred, and that's what we're seeing in Spokane."

FAQ

Who was arrested for the Spokane wildfire?

Aaron F. Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident, was arrested on first-degree arson charges for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire. He has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona.

How many homes were destroyed in the Washington wildfire?

More than 700 structures — including homes and businesses — have been confirmed destroyed across the three Spokane-area fires as of August 4, 2026. The Old Trails Fire alone accounted for at least 640 of those losses.

What is the largest wildfire in Washington state history?

The 2026 Spokane Complex Fire is now considered the most destructive wildfire in Washington history, surpassing the 2023 Gray and Oregon Road fires, which together destroyed 710 structures.

How many people were evacuated in Spokane?

Approximately 67,000 residents were placed under evacuation orders, with thousands sheltering at the Spokane Convention Center and other facilities.

Is the fire contained?

As of Monday, August 3, the Spokane complex fires remained at zero percent containment. Firefighters are working to establish control lines, but dry, windy conditions continue to challenge suppression efforts.