Spokane arson suspect charged with destroying 700 buildings; previously served time for killing father

Published Aug 5, 03:06 PM UTC

Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident, has been charged with first-degree arson for allegedly starting the largest of three wildfires that have destroyed over 700 buildings in Washington state. Court documents reveal Farinacci was questioned by police during two fire investigations last year. He was arrested after being stopped near the Old Trails Fire, carrying waterproof matches, a butane lighter, and cigarettes. A local resident, Paul Child, reported Farinacci's suspicious behavior moments before smoke appeared. Farinacci, who previously served nearly a decade in Arizona for fatally shooting his father, is expected to enter a plea at his arraignment on Thursday. First-degree arson carries a potential life sentence. The three fires are ranked as the top firefighting priority in the U.S.