A man charged with setting a devastating fire in Spokane will undergo an evaluation to determine whether he is competent to stand trial, according to reporting by Oregon Public Broadcasting. The assessment is expected to address whether he understands the legal proceedings and can assist in his defense.
The case involves the Old Trails Fire, which authorities have described in connection with an alleged pattern of arson. Other reports citing police and court records say the suspect allegedly waited for dry, windy conditions before starting the blaze and admitted to setting the Old Trails Fire along with numerous other fires since last summer.
The fire prompted evacuations and emergency response efforts, with local authorities warning that some residents could remain displaced for weeks. Reports also credit a grandfather’s quick thinking with helping fire investigators identify the suspect.
The competency evaluation is a legal determination and does not establish whether the defendant committed the alleged offenses. Further court proceedings will depend in part on the evaluation’s findings.
Related Coverage
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- Court records: Arson suspect admits to setting Old Trails Fire, 25 other fires since last summer
- "It's going to be weeks," Sheriff gives update on how long evacuations are expected to stay in place
- Aaron Farinacci arrest: How a grandfather’s quick thinking led fire investigators to a Spokane arson suspect