A 37-year-old man has been taken into custody for allegedly starting a destructive wildfire in eastern Washington. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office reported that Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested on suspicion of arson concerning the Old Trails Fire and is being held on a $1 million bond. It is uncertain if he has legal counsel at this time.

The wildfire began Saturday and is just one of several fires currently affecting the area around Spokane, the second-largest city in Washington state. These fires have led to the destruction of at least 700 structures and forced the evacuation of over 60,000 people.

Who Is Aaron Farinacci?

Farinacci was apprehended around 5 p.m. local time on Monday and faces charges of first-degree arson, according to Sheriff John Nowels. His arrest came after a witness observed a man near the origin of the Old Trails Fire shortly before it began around 10 a.m. Saturday.

The witness described seeing the man staring into the trees and then crouching beside a road near a grassy area. He reportedly appeared “very nervous” before walking away. Deputies later detained Farinacci about half a mile from the suspected origin point but released him initially after questioning.

Sheriff Nowels noted that Farinacci possessed waterproof matches and a butane lighter, either of which could have started a fire. Further investigation by major crimes detectives on Sunday linked Farinacci to the fire’s origin, which was verified as the area where witnesses had seen him.

Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney Preston McCollam stated that Farinacci has a criminal record in Arizona, including a conviction for manslaughter.

This story is still developing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.