Arson suspect in Spokane-area wildfire had prior manslaughter conviction

Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident with a prior manslaughter conviction, was arrested Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, according to CBS News. The fire has destroyed more than 700 buildings across the Spokane area, with another 400 structures still pending assessment. Approximately 67,000 people remain under evacuation orders.

Authorities began investigating Farinacci after a witness reported seeing him kneeling near grass where the fire began, according to CBS News. When detained, he was found in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter. Sheriff John Nowels told CBS News that authorities believe matches or a lighter was used to start the fire.

Farinacci was being held on a $1 million bond. He has been arrested in connection with the Old Trails Fire alone; CBS News reports he is not currently facing charges in connection with the two other major blazes in the region, the Fairview Fire and the Autumn Lane Fire.

The three fires began Saturday when extreme drought, bone-dry brush, high heat and strong winds combined to create conditions that allowed flames to spread quickly. Two of the fires, the Old Trails and Fairview, are still burning as of Tuesday. Dangerous weather is expected to return by Wednesday, with temperatures in the 90s forecast through Friday.

Sheriff John Nowels confirmed Tuesday that there have been no fatalities from the fires so far, and everyone reported missing in the area has been located. Governor Bob Ferguson described the outbreak as "likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane history." The Pacific Northwest is experiencing one of the worst fire seasons in three decades, with at least 16 major fires burning across Washington state.