Incident Command reports the Old Trails Fire is now 40% contained — significant progress from the zero-containment status of Saturday’s explosive growth. Aaron Farinacci (37, Texas) faces formal arson charges. Evacuation orders for the most affected neighborhoods remain at Level 3 while some adjacent areas have been downgraded to Level 2 and Level 1, allowing some residents to begin assessing their properties. Damage assessment teams are entering areas cleared for access.

THE RECOVERY TIMELINE

▸  CONTAINMENT: 40% as of August 7; full containment expected within 3-5 additional days under forecast conditions

▸  RETURN: Level 3 residents cannot return until containment reaches 100% in their specific areas; some Level 2 and Level 1 residents beginning to return

▸  DAMAGE ASSESSMENT: Insurance adjusters and FEMA teams in cleared zones; preliminary structure count will be updated from the ~600 estimate

▸  FEDERAL DISASTER DECLARATION: Washington Governor’s request pending Trump administration review

▸  FARINACCI: Faces federal arson charges; “knowingly and maliciously” standard; further proceedings in federal court

CONFIDENCE: HIGH

Containment percentage is from Incident Command report. Farinacci charges are documented from prior reporting. Evacuation level information is from Spokane emergency management.

SOURCES

▸  Incident Command — Old Trails Fire containment update, August 7, 2026

▸  Spokane emergency management — evacuation order status

▸  Prior ONYX coverage — Farinacci charges (August 6)