Washington state man Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested Monday on a first-degree arson charge connected to the Old Trails Fire, one of three wildfires devastating the Spokane area. Spokane County Sheriff's Office detectives and Washington Department of Natural Resources investigators developed probable cause after citizen tips and responding officers helped identify Farinacci.

Authorities described Farinacci as a convicted felon from Arizona with no documented fire-related criminal history. Sheriff John Nowels said first-degree arson was the charge supported by probable cause at this stage, and investigators have not connected Farinacci to the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires. Detectives found a butane lighter and waterproof matches during his arrest.

The three fires collectively destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted evacuations affecting approximately 67,000 people as of Monday. More than 1,000 firefighters battled the blazes, with the Old Trails Fire remaining uncontained. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency Saturday, imposing a burning prohibition through Sept. 30.