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SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — The Spokane wildfires have left widespread devastation across eastern Washington, destroying hundreds of homes and buildings, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, and prompting authorities to arrest a man accused of intentionally setting the largest of the blazes.

Investigators arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on Monday and charged him with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, one of three major wildfires that have swept through the Spokane area since Saturday. Officials said the fires have become what Washington leaders describe as one of the worst natural disasters in the city's history.

Authorities emphasized that the criminal investigation currently involves only the Old Trails Fire, while the causes of the Autumn Lane Fire and Fairview Fire remain under investigation.

Suspect Arrested Following Witness Account

According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Farinacci was booked into jail on a $1 million bond after investigators identified him as a suspect through witness statements.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said a motorist reported seeing a man standing near the roadside looking toward nearby trees before later observing him kneeling in dry grass. The witness said the man appeared nervous before leaving the area. Shortly afterward, smoke began rising from the same location, prompting the witness to contact law enforcement.

When deputies detained Farinacci, they allegedly found waterproof matches and a butane lighter in his possession. Authorities believe the fire may have been started using one of those ignition sources.

Sheriff Nowels also noted that Farinacci has a prior manslaughter conviction from Arizona dating back to 2012.

Massive Destruction in Spokane Wildfires

The wildfires have caused catastrophic damage throughout Spokane County.

Officials reported that more than 700 buildings have been destroyed, while another 400 structures still require damage assessments. Entire neighborhoods have suffered extensive losses as rapidly spreading flames overwhelmed firefighters.

Approximately 65,000 to 67,000 residents—more than 10% of Spokane County's population—were placed under evacuation orders as emergency crews worked to protect lives.

Many residents returned only to discover their homes had been completely destroyed.

"My dad just died, and all of his stuff was still in there, too," Spokane resident Anna Andreachi said after learning her family home had burned. "All of our memories are gone."

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson called the disaster "likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane history."

Dangerous Weather Fueled Spokane Wildfires

The fires erupted Saturday amid an extended Pacific Northwest drought.

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Extreme heat, low humidity, bone-dry vegetation, and powerful winds combined to create ideal wildfire conditions, allowing flames to spread at extraordinary speed.

Firefighters went door-to-door attempting to warn residents and save homes but were quickly overwhelmed as multiple fires expanded simultaneously.

The Old Trails Fire, Autumn Lane Fire, and Fairview Fire collectively burned through neighborhoods and surrounding vegetation over the weekend.

Although winds eased somewhat by Monday, fire officials warned that another stretch of hot weather—with temperatures expected to climb into the 90s later in the week—could make containment efforts significantly more difficult.

Search Continues for Spokane Wildfire Residents

As of Monday, authorities reported no confirmed fatalities.

However, Sheriff Nowels said investigators were attempting to contact 14 people who had either requested assistance during evacuations or had not yet been reached.

Officials cautioned against assuming those individuals were missing, noting that disrupted cell service, dead phone batteries, and temporary shelters have complicated efforts to account for everyone.

Emergency responders continue searching affected areas while damage assessments remain ongoing.

Spokane Wildfires: State of Emergency Declared

Gov. Ferguson declared a statewide emergency because of severe drought conditions, unusually high temperatures, and dangerous winds that dramatically increased wildfire risk across Washington.

Emergency crews from multiple agencies remain deployed around Spokane as firefighters battle the remaining active fires and work to prevent additional destruction.

Daniel Ramey, a spokesperson for California Interagency Incident Management Team 7, said the upcoming weather could prove critical as firefighters continue building containment lines around the active fires.

Authorities continue asking evacuated residents to remain alert for changing fire conditions while investigators pursue the criminal case involving the Old Trails Fire.

More Information

• National Interagency Fire Center — https://www.nifc.gov/
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources Wildfire Information — https://www.dnr.wa.gov/
• Spokane County Sheriff's Office — https://www.spokanecounty.org/sheriff/
• Washington Emergency Management Division — https://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division
• National Weather Service Spokane — https://www.weather.gov/otx/