Spokane Arson Suspect Confesses to Planning Old Trails Wildfire, Admits to Starting 25 Fires Since 2025

Officials are holding five public meetings across the Spokane area Monday through Thursday to update residents on the three fires, with virtual options available.

Farinacci's arraignment was delayed after his defense requested a mental competency evaluation; he has not entered a plea, per KREM.

On Thursday, a judge found probable cause for four additional first-degree arson charges against Aaron Farinacci and raised his bond to $2 million, according to KREM and KHQ.

Highway 291 has reopened, and evacuation shelters remain open at the Spokane Convention Center, with an animal shelter at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, officials said.

The total burn area across the three fires stands at roughly 9,944 acres, with an estimated 921 structures damaged or destroyed, per the incident management team.

As of Monday, crews had contained the fires further — Autumn Lane 73%, Old Trails 53%, and Fairview 53% — and reduced evacuation levels around all three areas, though Level 3 restrictions remain within the fire perimeters, according to fire officials.

Farinacci, who was already charged with first-degree arson in the Old Trails Fire, has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona, court records show. He remains held on $1 million bond.

Prosecutors are seeking four additional first-degree arson charges tied to the fires investigators corroborated, including a July 2025 blaze that burned more than 1,200 acres. A judge is expected to rule on the new charges Thursday afternoon.

Court documents allege that Aaron Farinacci, 37, planned the Old Trails Fire for about two weeks and chose a hot, dry, windy day to set it, using a time-delay device made from matches and a cigarette.

The man accused of starting the largest of the three Spokane-area wildfires allegedly told investigators he had set 25 fires since last July, according to court documents cited by KING5 and the Seattle Times. Detectives have corroborated four of them.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 has assumed command of the Spokane Area Fires. With containment progress, evacuation levels could potentially be downgraded in the coming days.

All three fires now have established containment lines for the first time since they began. The Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires are each 13% contained, while the Fairview Fire is 5% contained.

Approximately 65,000 people were forced to evacuate within Spokane city limits.

Fire officials confirmed Wednesday that 846 structures have been destroyed across the three Spokane-area fires, up from earlier estimates.

Authorities have not stated a possible cause for the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires. Investigations into both remain ongoing.

There have been no reports of deaths or injuries so far, according to NPR.

Evacuations have also forced out businesses, the region's Veterans Affairs hospital campus, and other healthcare facilities. Displaced residents are seeking shelter at the Spokane Convention Center through the American Red Cross.

The fires have destroyed an estimated 700 structures and forced roughly 67,000 people to evacuate — nearly a quarter of Spokane's population, the state's second-largest city.

The Old Trails Fire alone has burned approximately 3,619 acres and is the largest of the three blazes. Combined, all three fires — Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview — have burned more than 8,000 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of Monday night, per federal incident commander Tom Clemo.

Farinacci was arrested at his home Monday without incident and is being held on $1 million bond. Public records show he was convicted of manslaughter in Arizona in 2012 for a 2010 killing in Maricopa County. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday.

Farinacci was found about a mile and a half from where the fire was burning and was in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter at the time, according to officials.

A community member's tip led authorities to Farinacci after spotting him bent by the side of the road near some grass, not far from where the Old Trails Fire ignited. He was questioned and released the same day before later being arrested and charged.

Spokane County Sheriff's deputies have arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires devastating the region.

Avista has shut off natural gas service in affected areas where safe to do so. Customers may still notice the smell of natural gas as residual gas dissipates from service lines, which could take an extended period depending on the system.

The National Weather Service issued its first-ever "particularly dangerous situation" alert for the region.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance from FEMA.

Roughly 5,000 homes have been evacuated. The American Red Cross opened shelters at the Spokane Convention Center, where 409 families stayed overnight. A second shelter has since opened for evacuees from any of the Spokane-area fires.

The Old Trails Fire itself has scorched approximately 3,619 acres, according to Watch Duty. Combined with the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires also burning in the Spokane area, the total acreage burned reaches approximately 5,390 acres.

The fire remains at 0% containment.

As of Sunday morning, at least 640 structures have been destroyed, mostly homes within Spokane city limits in the Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie neighborhoods.

The Old Trails Fire broke out near Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road just before noon Saturday, August 1, driven by wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph. It jumped the Spokane River and spread into Riverside State Park and northwest Spokane neighborhoods.

Additionally, an evacuation shelter is open for residents affected by the Old Trails Fire. It is located at Spokane Falls Community College in the Small Gym - 3410 W Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224.

An animal shelter is open at the Spokane County Fairgrounds per Spokane County Emergency Management.

WatchDuty confirms the fire remains at 0% containment.

The public is asked to avoid the area if they are not evacuating.

North Francis Avenue is limited to evacuation traffic only.

As of 3:12 p.m., people living west of North Division Street between West Francis Avenue and West Strong Road are ordered to leave immediately. People living west of North Cedar Road in the same area are also under evacuation orders, with those between Division Street and Cedar Road urged to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders were first issued around 2:47 p.m. and have expanded multiple times throughout the afternoon as the fire grows.

A fast-moving wildfire, named the Old Trails Fire, is burning north of Airway Heights near the intersection of Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road in Spokane County, Washington.

Incident reported at Spokane.

Officials are holding five public meetings across the Spokane area Monday through Thursday to update residents on the three fires, with virtual options available.

Farinacci's arraignment was delayed after his defense requested a mental competency evaluation; he has not entered a plea, per KREM.

On Thursday, a judge found probable cause for four additional first-degree arson charges against Aaron Farinacci and raised his bond to $2 million, according to KREM and KHQ.

Highway 291 has reopened, and evacuation shelters remain open at the Spokane Convention Center, with an animal shelter at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, officials said.

The total burn area across the three fires stands at roughly 9,944 acres, with an estimated 921 structures damaged or destroyed, per the incident management team.

As of Monday, crews had contained the fires further — Autumn Lane 73%, Old Trails 53%, and Fairview 53% — and reduced evacuation levels around all three areas, though Level 3 restrictions remain within the fire perimeters, according to fire officials.

Farinacci, who was already charged with first-degree arson in the Old Trails Fire, has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona, court records show. He remains held on $1 million bond.

Prosecutors are seeking four additional first-degree arson charges tied to the fires investigators corroborated, including a July 2025 blaze that burned more than 1,200 acres. A judge is expected to rule on the new charges Thursday afternoon.

Court documents allege that Aaron Farinacci, 37, planned the Old Trails Fire for about two weeks and chose a hot, dry, windy day to set it, using a time-delay device made from matches and a cigarette.

The man accused of starting the largest of the three Spokane-area wildfires allegedly told investigators he had set 25 fires since last July, according to court documents cited by KING5 and the Seattle Times. Detectives have corroborated four of them.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 has assumed command of the Spokane Area Fires. With containment progress, evacuation levels could potentially be downgraded in the coming days.

All three fires now have established containment lines for the first time since they began. The Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires are each 13% contained, while the Fairview Fire is 5% contained.

Approximately 65,000 people were forced to evacuate within Spokane city limits.

Fire officials confirmed Wednesday that 846 structures have been destroyed across the three Spokane-area fires, up from earlier estimates.

Authorities have not stated a possible cause for the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires. Investigations into both remain ongoing.

There have been no reports of deaths or injuries so far, according to NPR.

Evacuations have also forced out businesses, the region's Veterans Affairs hospital campus, and other healthcare facilities. Displaced residents are seeking shelter at the Spokane Convention Center through the American Red Cross.

The fires have destroyed an estimated 700 structures and forced roughly 67,000 people to evacuate — nearly a quarter of Spokane's population, the state's second-largest city.

The Old Trails Fire alone has burned approximately 3,619 acres and is the largest of the three blazes. Combined, all three fires — Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview — have burned more than 8,000 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of Monday night, per federal incident commander Tom Clemo.

Farinacci was arrested at his home Monday without incident and is being held on $1 million bond. Public records show he was convicted of manslaughter in Arizona in 2012 for a 2010 killing in Maricopa County. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday.

Farinacci was found about a mile and a half from where the fire was burning and was in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter at the time, according to officials.

A community member's tip led authorities to Farinacci after spotting him bent by the side of the road near some grass, not far from where the Old Trails Fire ignited. He was questioned and released the same day before later being arrested and charged.

Spokane County Sheriff's deputies have arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires devastating the region.

Avista has shut off natural gas service in affected areas where safe to do so. Customers may still notice the smell of natural gas as residual gas dissipates from service lines, which could take an extended period depending on the system.

The National Weather Service issued its first-ever "particularly dangerous situation" alert for the region.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance from FEMA.

Roughly 5,000 homes have been evacuated. The American Red Cross opened shelters at the Spokane Convention Center, where 409 families stayed overnight. A second shelter has since opened for evacuees from any of the Spokane-area fires.

The Old Trails Fire itself has scorched approximately 3,619 acres, according to Watch Duty. Combined with the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires also burning in the Spokane area, the total acreage burned reaches approximately 5,390 acres.

The fire remains at 0% containment.

As of Sunday morning, at least 640 structures have been destroyed, mostly homes within Spokane city limits in the Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie neighborhoods.

The Old Trails Fire broke out near Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road just before noon Saturday, August 1, driven by wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph. It jumped the Spokane River and spread into Riverside State Park and northwest Spokane neighborhoods.

Additionally, an evacuation shelter is open for residents affected by the Old Trails Fire. It is located at Spokane Falls Community College in the Small Gym - 3410 W Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224.

An animal shelter is open at the Spokane County Fairgrounds per Spokane County Emergency Management.

WatchDuty confirms the fire remains at 0% containment.

The public is asked to avoid the area if they are not evacuating.

North Francis Avenue is limited to evacuation traffic only.

As of 3:12 p.m., people living west of North Division Street between West Francis Avenue and West Strong Road are ordered to leave immediately. People living west of North Cedar Road in the same area are also under evacuation orders, with those between Division Street and Cedar Road urged to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders were first issued around 2:47 p.m. and have expanded multiple times throughout the afternoon as the fire grows.

A fast-moving wildfire, named the Old Trails Fire, is burning north of Airway Heights near the intersection of Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road in Spokane County, Washington.

Incident reported at Spokane.

Officials are holding five public meetings across the Spokane area Monday through Thursday to update residents on the three fires, with virtual options available.

Farinacci's arraignment was delayed after his defense requested a mental competency evaluation; he has not entered a plea, per KREM.

On Thursday, a judge found probable cause for four additional first-degree arson charges against Aaron Farinacci and raised his bond to $2 million, according to KREM and KHQ.

Highway 291 has reopened, and evacuation shelters remain open at the Spokane Convention Center, with an animal shelter at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, officials said.

The total burn area across the three fires stands at roughly 9,944 acres, with an estimated 921 structures damaged or destroyed, per the incident management team.

As of Monday, crews had contained the fires further — Autumn Lane 73%, Old Trails 53%, and Fairview 53% — and reduced evacuation levels around all three areas, though Level 3 restrictions remain within the fire perimeters, according to fire officials.

Farinacci, who was already charged with first-degree arson in the Old Trails Fire, has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona, court records show. He remains held on $1 million bond.

Prosecutors are seeking four additional first-degree arson charges tied to the fires investigators corroborated, including a July 2025 blaze that burned more than 1,200 acres. A judge is expected to rule on the new charges Thursday afternoon.

Court documents allege that Aaron Farinacci, 37, planned the Old Trails Fire for about two weeks and chose a hot, dry, windy day to set it, using a time-delay device made from matches and a cigarette.

The man accused of starting the largest of the three Spokane-area wildfires allegedly told investigators he had set 25 fires since last July, according to court documents cited by KING5 and the Seattle Times. Detectives have corroborated four of them.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 has assumed command of the Spokane Area Fires. With containment progress, evacuation levels could potentially be downgraded in the coming days.

All three fires now have established containment lines for the first time since they began. The Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires are each 13% contained, while the Fairview Fire is 5% contained.

Approximately 65,000 people were forced to evacuate within Spokane city limits.

Fire officials confirmed Wednesday that 846 structures have been destroyed across the three Spokane-area fires, up from earlier estimates.

Authorities have not stated a possible cause for the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires. Investigations into both remain ongoing.

There have been no reports of deaths or injuries so far, according to NPR.

Evacuations have also forced out businesses, the region's Veterans Affairs hospital campus, and other healthcare facilities. Displaced residents are seeking shelter at the Spokane Convention Center through the American Red Cross.

The fires have destroyed an estimated 700 structures and forced roughly 67,000 people to evacuate — nearly a quarter of Spokane's population, the state's second-largest city.

The Old Trails Fire alone has burned approximately 3,619 acres and is the largest of the three blazes. Combined, all three fires — Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview — have burned more than 8,000 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of Monday night, per federal incident commander Tom Clemo.

Farinacci was arrested at his home Monday without incident and is being held on $1 million bond. Public records show he was convicted of manslaughter in Arizona in 2012 for a 2010 killing in Maricopa County. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday.

Farinacci was found about a mile and a half from where the fire was burning and was in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter at the time, according to officials.

A community member's tip led authorities to Farinacci after spotting him bent by the side of the road near some grass, not far from where the Old Trails Fire ignited. He was questioned and released the same day before later being arrested and charged.

Spokane County Sheriff's deputies have arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires devastating the region.

Avista has shut off natural gas service in affected areas where safe to do so. Customers may still notice the smell of natural gas as residual gas dissipates from service lines, which could take an extended period depending on the system.

The National Weather Service issued its first-ever "particularly dangerous situation" alert for the region.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance from FEMA.

Roughly 5,000 homes have been evacuated. The American Red Cross opened shelters at the Spokane Convention Center, where 409 families stayed overnight. A second shelter has since opened for evacuees from any of the Spokane-area fires.

The Old Trails Fire itself has scorched approximately 3,619 acres, according to Watch Duty. Combined with the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires also burning in the Spokane area, the total acreage burned reaches approximately 5,390 acres.

The fire remains at 0% containment.

As of Sunday morning, at least 640 structures have been destroyed, mostly homes within Spokane city limits in the Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie neighborhoods.

The Old Trails Fire broke out near Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road just before noon Saturday, August 1, driven by wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph. It jumped the Spokane River and spread into Riverside State Park and northwest Spokane neighborhoods.

Additionally, an evacuation shelter is open for residents affected by the Old Trails Fire. It is located at Spokane Falls Community College in the Small Gym - 3410 W Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224.

An animal shelter is open at the Spokane County Fairgrounds per Spokane County Emergency Management.

WatchDuty confirms the fire remains at 0% containment.

The public is asked to avoid the area if they are not evacuating.

North Francis Avenue is limited to evacuation traffic only.

As of 3:12 p.m., people living west of North Division Street between West Francis Avenue and West Strong Road are ordered to leave immediately. People living west of North Cedar Road in the same area are also under evacuation orders, with those between Division Street and Cedar Road urged to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders were first issued around 2:47 p.m. and have expanded multiple times throughout the afternoon as the fire grows.

A fast-moving wildfire, named the Old Trails Fire, is burning north of Airway Heights near the intersection of Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road in Spokane County, Washington.

Incident reported at Spokane.

Officials are holding five public meetings across the Spokane area Monday through Thursday to update residents on the three fires, with virtual options available.

Farinacci's arraignment was delayed after his defense requested a mental competency evaluation; he has not entered a plea, per KREM.

On Thursday, a judge found probable cause for four additional first-degree arson charges against Aaron Farinacci and raised his bond to $2 million, according to KREM and KHQ.

Highway 291 has reopened, and evacuation shelters remain open at the Spokane Convention Center, with an animal shelter at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, officials said.

The total burn area across the three fires stands at roughly 9,944 acres, with an estimated 921 structures damaged or destroyed, per the incident management team.

As of Monday, crews had contained the fires further — Autumn Lane 73%, Old Trails 53%, and Fairview 53% — and reduced evacuation levels around all three areas, though Level 3 restrictions remain within the fire perimeters, according to fire officials.

Farinacci, who was already charged with first-degree arson in the Old Trails Fire, has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona, court records show. He remains held on $1 million bond.

Prosecutors are seeking four additional first-degree arson charges tied to the fires investigators corroborated, including a July 2025 blaze that burned more than 1,200 acres. A judge is expected to rule on the new charges Thursday afternoon.

Court documents allege that Aaron Farinacci, 37, planned the Old Trails Fire for about two weeks and chose a hot, dry, windy day to set it, using a time-delay device made from matches and a cigarette.

The man accused of starting the largest of the three Spokane-area wildfires allegedly told investigators he had set 25 fires since last July, according to court documents cited by KING5 and the Seattle Times. Detectives have corroborated four of them.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 has assumed command of the Spokane Area Fires. With containment progress, evacuation levels could potentially be downgraded in the coming days.

All three fires now have established containment lines for the first time since they began. The Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires are each 13% contained, while the Fairview Fire is 5% contained.

Approximately 65,000 people were forced to evacuate within Spokane city limits.

Fire officials confirmed Wednesday that 846 structures have been destroyed across the three Spokane-area fires, up from earlier estimates.

Authorities have not stated a possible cause for the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires. Investigations into both remain ongoing.

There have been no reports of deaths or injuries so far, according to NPR.

Evacuations have also forced out businesses, the region's Veterans Affairs hospital campus, and other healthcare facilities. Displaced residents are seeking shelter at the Spokane Convention Center through the American Red Cross.

The fires have destroyed an estimated 700 structures and forced roughly 67,000 people to evacuate — nearly a quarter of Spokane's population, the state's second-largest city.

The Old Trails Fire alone has burned approximately 3,619 acres and is the largest of the three blazes. Combined, all three fires — Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview — have burned more than 8,000 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of Monday night, per federal incident commander Tom Clemo.

Farinacci was arrested at his home Monday without incident and is being held on $1 million bond. Public records show he was convicted of manslaughter in Arizona in 2012 for a 2010 killing in Maricopa County. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday.

Farinacci was found about a mile and a half from where the fire was burning and was in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter at the time, according to officials.

A community member's tip led authorities to Farinacci after spotting him bent by the side of the road near some grass, not far from where the Old Trails Fire ignited. He was questioned and released the same day before later being arrested and charged.

Spokane County Sheriff's deputies have arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires devastating the region.

Avista has shut off natural gas service in affected areas where safe to do so. Customers may still notice the smell of natural gas as residual gas dissipates from service lines, which could take an extended period depending on the system.

The National Weather Service issued its first-ever "particularly dangerous situation" alert for the region.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance from FEMA.

Roughly 5,000 homes have been evacuated. The American Red Cross opened shelters at the Spokane Convention Center, where 409 families stayed overnight. A second shelter has since opened for evacuees from any of the Spokane-area fires.

The Old Trails Fire itself has scorched approximately 3,619 acres, according to Watch Duty. Combined with the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires also burning in the Spokane area, the total acreage burned reaches approximately 5,390 acres.

The fire remains at 0% containment.

As of Sunday morning, at least 640 structures have been destroyed, mostly homes within Spokane city limits in the Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie neighborhoods.

The Old Trails Fire broke out near Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road just before noon Saturday, August 1, driven by wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph. It jumped the Spokane River and spread into Riverside State Park and northwest Spokane neighborhoods.

Additionally, an evacuation shelter is open for residents affected by the Old Trails Fire. It is located at Spokane Falls Community College in the Small Gym - 3410 W Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224.

An animal shelter is open at the Spokane County Fairgrounds per Spokane County Emergency Management.

WatchDuty confirms the fire remains at 0% containment.

The public is asked to avoid the area if they are not evacuating.

North Francis Avenue is limited to evacuation traffic only.

As of 3:12 p.m., people living west of North Division Street between West Francis Avenue and West Strong Road are ordered to leave immediately. People living west of North Cedar Road in the same area are also under evacuation orders, with those between Division Street and Cedar Road urged to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders were first issued around 2:47 p.m. and have expanded multiple times throughout the afternoon as the fire grows.

A fast-moving wildfire, named the Old Trails Fire, is burning north of Airway Heights near the intersection of Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road in Spokane County, Washington.

Incident reported at Spokane.

Officials are holding five public meetings across the Spokane area Monday through Thursday to update residents on the three fires, with virtual options available.

Farinacci's arraignment was delayed after his defense requested a mental competency evaluation; he has not entered a plea, per KREM.

On Thursday, a judge found probable cause for four additional first-degree arson charges against Aaron Farinacci and raised his bond to $2 million, according to KREM and KHQ.

Highway 291 has reopened, and evacuation shelters remain open at the Spokane Convention Center, with an animal shelter at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, officials said.

The total burn area across the three fires stands at roughly 9,944 acres, with an estimated 921 structures damaged or destroyed, per the incident management team.

As of Monday, crews had contained the fires further — Autumn Lane 73%, Old Trails 53%, and Fairview 53% — and reduced evacuation levels around all three areas, though Level 3 restrictions remain within the fire perimeters, according to fire officials.

Farinacci, who was already charged with first-degree arson in the Old Trails Fire, has a prior manslaughter conviction in Arizona, court records show. He remains held on $1 million bond.

Prosecutors are seeking four additional first-degree arson charges tied to the fires investigators corroborated, including a July 2025 blaze that burned more than 1,200 acres. A judge is expected to rule on the new charges Thursday afternoon.

Court documents allege that Aaron Farinacci, 37, planned the Old Trails Fire for about two weeks and chose a hot, dry, windy day to set it, using a time-delay device made from matches and a cigarette.

The man accused of starting the largest of the three Spokane-area wildfires allegedly told investigators he had set 25 fires since last July, according to court documents cited by KING5 and the Seattle Times. Detectives have corroborated four of them.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 7 has assumed command of the Spokane Area Fires. With containment progress, evacuation levels could potentially be downgraded in the coming days.

All three fires now have established containment lines for the first time since they began. The Old Trails and Autumn Lane fires are each 13% contained, while the Fairview Fire is 5% contained.

Approximately 65,000 people were forced to evacuate within Spokane city limits.

Fire officials confirmed Wednesday that 846 structures have been destroyed across the three Spokane-area fires, up from earlier estimates.

Authorities have not stated a possible cause for the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires. Investigations into both remain ongoing.

There have been no reports of deaths or injuries so far, according to NPR.

Evacuations have also forced out businesses, the region's Veterans Affairs hospital campus, and other healthcare facilities. Displaced residents are seeking shelter at the Spokane Convention Center through the American Red Cross.

The fires have destroyed an estimated 700 structures and forced roughly 67,000 people to evacuate — nearly a quarter of Spokane's population, the state's second-largest city.

The Old Trails Fire alone has burned approximately 3,619 acres and is the largest of the three blazes. Combined, all three fires — Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview — have burned more than 8,000 acres and remained at zero percent containment as of Monday night, per federal incident commander Tom Clemo.

Farinacci was arrested at his home Monday without incident and is being held on $1 million bond. Public records show he was convicted of manslaughter in Arizona in 2012 for a 2010 killing in Maricopa County. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday.

Farinacci was found about a mile and a half from where the fire was burning and was in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter at the time, according to officials.

A community member's tip led authorities to Farinacci after spotting him bent by the side of the road near some grass, not far from where the Old Trails Fire ignited. He was questioned and released the same day before later being arrested and charged.

Spokane County Sheriff's deputies have arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires devastating the region.

Avista has shut off natural gas service in affected areas where safe to do so. Customers may still notice the smell of natural gas as residual gas dissipates from service lines, which could take an extended period depending on the system.

The National Weather Service issued its first-ever "particularly dangerous situation" alert for the region.

Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance from FEMA.

Roughly 5,000 homes have been evacuated. The American Red Cross opened shelters at the Spokane Convention Center, where 409 families stayed overnight. A second shelter has since opened for evacuees from any of the Spokane-area fires.

The Old Trails Fire itself has scorched approximately 3,619 acres, according to Watch Duty. Combined with the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires also burning in the Spokane area, the total acreage burned reaches approximately 5,390 acres.

The fire remains at 0% containment.

As of Sunday morning, at least 640 structures have been destroyed, mostly homes within Spokane city limits in the Indian Trail and Five Mile Prairie neighborhoods.

The Old Trails Fire broke out near Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road just before noon Saturday, August 1, driven by wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph. It jumped the Spokane River and spread into Riverside State Park and northwest Spokane neighborhoods.

Additionally, an evacuation shelter is open for residents affected by the Old Trails Fire. It is located at Spokane Falls Community College in the Small Gym - 3410 W Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224.

An animal shelter is open at the Spokane County Fairgrounds per Spokane County Emergency Management.

WatchDuty confirms the fire remains at 0% containment.

The public is asked to avoid the area if they are not evacuating.

North Francis Avenue is limited to evacuation traffic only.

As of 3:12 p.m., people living west of North Division Street between West Francis Avenue and West Strong Road are ordered to leave immediately. People living west of North Cedar Road in the same area are also under evacuation orders, with those between Division Street and Cedar Road urged to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders were first issued around 2:47 p.m. and have expanded multiple times throughout the afternoon as the fire grows.

A fast-moving wildfire, named the Old Trails Fire, is burning north of Airway Heights near the intersection of Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road in Spokane County, Washington.

Incident reported at Spokane.