Free Republic

The man suspected of setting a fire that destroyed hundreds of Spokane homes and forced 60,000 people to evacuate was contacted by law enforcement last summer for two fires but never arrested, according to court documents. Detectives say Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was wearing the same green shirt, which says “Who needs luck, I have charm,” at one of last summer’s fires as the wind-driven Old Trails fire started Saturday on the West Plains that rapidly moved east, ravaging neighborhoods in northwest Spokane. Law enforcement contacted Farinacci shortly after the fire started Saturday and released him without charges. They later...

The Brief:A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of intentionally starting the Old Trails Fire in Spokane County. Investigators say the wildfire has burned more than 3,600 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures, though the suspect is not believed to be linked to two other major fires. Authorities have not identified a motive, and all three major Spokane County wildfires remain 0% contained. SPOKANE, Wash. - A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire, one of three wildfires in Spokane County that have destroyed hundreds of homes. The suspect is...

A 37-year-old Spokane, Washington, resident with a previous manslaughter conviction was arrested Monday in connection with largest of the region’s three wildfires, which have displaced thousands and destroyed hundreds of structures, authorities said. Aaron Farinacci, 37, was taken into custody without incident with the help of a SWAT team after a judge signed a warrant based on an allegation of first-degree arson, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said at an evening news conference. Farinacci was being held on $1 million bond, he said. It was unclear if he has been formally charged or has a lawyer, and the public defender’s...