SPOKANE, Wash. — A 37-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with one of three rapidly spreading wildfires in Spokane County that have burned over 10,000 acres and forced the evacuation of roughly 65,000 residents since last weekend.

Authorities identified Aaron F. Farinacci as a suspect after Paul Child and his grandson spotted a nervous man near a patch of tall grass and trees close to railroad tracks about half a mile from the Child family home. Shortly after, smoke was reported near the same location. Firefighters and law enforcement arrived within 20 minutes to find the Old Trails fire out of control. The blaze is one of three that have destroyed at least 700 structures in the area, although no fatalities have been reported.

Farinacci was initially detained on Saturday, but released after denying involvement in starting the fire. However, investigators subsequently determined that the fire’s origin was consistent with an ignition caused by a lighter or match and occurred at the site where Child had seen the man. Farinacci was arrested on Monday and charged with first-degree arson, a felony that carries a penalty of up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine. He is currently being held on $1 million bond.

During his first court appearance on Tuesday, a judge upheld the bond and placed restrictions preventing Farinacci from possessing any fire-starting materials if released. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, when he is expected to enter a plea. Colin Charbonneau, director of the Spokane County public defender’s office, confirmed Farinacci’s representation but declined to comment further.

Sheriff John Nowels said Farinacci was carrying waterproof matches and a butane lighter when apprehended. Court records indicate Farinacci had previously been investigated for two separate fires in Washington last summer, though no charges were filed in those instances.

Farinacci’s criminal history includes a 2012 conviction in Arizona for manslaughter and aggravated assault related to the shooting death of his father. Initially charged with first-degree murder, he accepted a plea deal and was released on probation in 2020 after serving time. Court documents also reveal a history of mental illness and treatment, but he was found competent to stand trial at that time.

Following his release, Farinacci relocated to Washington state, where he held full-time employment and lived with family members and a girlfriend. Attempts to reach his relatives and to contact him at his Spokane residence have been unsuccessful.

Paul Child, whose home survived the fire, expressed mixed feelings about the encounter. “I do second-guess myself, whether I could have done something more,” he said. “But it’s good to see there might be accountability.”

Weather conditions improved earlier this week, allowing some evacuees to return home. Nevertheless, the National Weather Service reported that smoke from the wildfires had spread into Western Washington, worsening air quality. Forecasts call for rising winds and drier air later in the week, potentially increasing the risk of further fire activity.