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Washington wildfire suspect had prior manslaughter conviction

A man accused of starting the Old Trails Fire in eastern Washington had a prior manslaughter conviction and was arrested Monday.

Updated last month2 new reports, including The Guardian, The Straits Times.

·1 min read·4 outlets

The short version

A suspect was arrested in connection with the Old Trails Fire in eastern Washington, which destroyed hundreds of homes and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. The man, Aaron F. Farinacci, had a prior manslaughter conviction before pleading guilty to a reduced charge.

Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire that ignited Saturday in eastern Washington.1,3,4 The Old Trails Fire destroyed hundreds of buildings and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.1,2,4 Farinacci was previously charged with first-degree murder before pleading guilty to a reduced manslaughter charge, according to court records.1,3

Authorities allege Farinacci is responsible for the fire that reduced hundreds of homes to rubble in Spokane, Washington.2,4 Farinacci made his first court appearance on Monday following his arrest.2 The fire was reported to have ignited on Saturday, according to multiple outlets.3,4

Why it matters

  • The Old Trails Fire is a wildfire in eastern Washington that has caused significant destruction and evacuations.1,2,4

  • First-degree arson is the deliberate and malicious burning of property, which can carry severe penalties in Washington state.1,3

This account was written from the 4 reports listed below, filed by 4 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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Environment·

United States: Three Fires Ravage Spokane; One Suspect Arrested

Three wildfires have been surrounding Spokane since Saturday, none of which have been brought under control. A 37-year-old man, who has a prior conviction for manslaughter, is being held on remand in connection with one of the fires.

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