Story perspectives

Spokane Wildfires Destroy 850 Buildings, 67K Evacuated; Arsonist Held

8/9/2026

Summary

Nowels Extends Evacuations

Wildfires in Spokane, Washington destroyed about 850 structures and forced roughly 67,000 evacuations.
Sheriff John Nowels said evacuation zones will stay for days because fire-line stability cannot be guaranteed.
Thomas Kyle-Milward said 16 uncontained fires burn over 672 square miles with more than 7,000 firefighters.
A man was arrested and charged with arson for the Old Trails Fire, which also sparked the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.

Summary

Judge Schmidt Raises Bond

Judge Jeremy Schmidt raised Aaron Farinacci’s bond from $1 million to $2 million on Aug. 4, 2026, citing safety concerns.
Prosecutors Preston McCollam filed a memorandum on Aug. 6, 2026 adding four first-degree arson counts, total five.
Judge Schmidt approved a mental-competency evaluation requested by public defender Colin Charbonneau on Aug. 5, 2026 before any plea.
The Aug. 4, 2026 video arraignment was postponed, with a new hearing to be set after the competency review.

History

Historical Context

On Oct 25 2003 the Cedar Fire ignited in San Diego County, spreading under Santa Ana winds to scorch about 273,000 acres, destroy 2,820 structures and kill 15 people. A post-fire review faulted agency coordination, prompting stricter building codes and tougher arson laws. Those reforms echo today as Spokane Sheriff John Nowels directs 7,000 firefighters against multiple blazes.

1 of 3

Nowels Extends Evacuations

Wildfires in Spokane, Washington destroyed about 850 structures and forced roughly 67,000 evacuations.
Sheriff John Nowels said evacuation zones will stay for days because fire-line stability cannot be guaranteed.
Thomas Kyle-Milward said 16 uncontained fires burn over 672 square miles with more than 7,000 firefighters.
A man was arrested and charged with arson for the Old Trails Fire, which also sparked the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.

1 / 3