Arson suspect arrested for setting the largest of three wildfires burning in Washington

A Spokane, Washington, man was arrested and charged with setting the largest of three wildfires that crews have been battling in the region this week. 

Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested Monday and charged with suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the Associated Press reported. Farinacci was previously convicted of felony manslaughter in Arizona. 

Police were led to Farinacci by a tip from someone who saw a man bent by the side of the road near some grass and appearing to be nervous. Farinacci was questioned and released, Sheriff John Nowles said Monday. 

Farinacci was again identified when major crimes detectives began investigating reports and footage from body cameras, which indicated the fire started near where the witness had seen a man by the side of the road. Farinacci had matches and a butane lighter when he was arrested, Nowles said. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. 

The three fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings, and 67,000 people were forced to evacuate around Spokane. The cause of the other two fires is still under investigation. The three fires remain uncontained as of Tuesday morning.