EVERETT — Boeing is donating $250,000 from its Charitable Trust to support recovery efforts for communities hit by wildfires in the Spokane and Eastern Washington areas.
“Our thoughts are with the families and communities severely impacted by the ongoing wildfires in the Spokane area,” said Jeff Shockey, Boeing executive vice president, Government Operations, Global Public Policy & Corporate Strategy. “These funds will help local nonprofits, businesses and organizations address immediate needs and accelerate recovery across the region.”
The funds will go to the Innovia Foundation, the community foundation serving Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. The foundation has opened a Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund to channel donations to partners assisting displaced families with immediate and longer-term needs.
The Spokane fires of the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview blazes continue to impact the region after igniting on August. 1 amid extreme heat, low humidity and high winds—at least one person has been arrested for intentionally starting the Old Trails fire. Collectively, the fires have burned more than 10,000 acres, damaged or destroyed at least 846 structures and, at its peak, forced the evacuation of roughly 65,000 people.No deaths have been confirmed.
Gov. Bob Ferguson’s request for a federal emergency declaration was approved by the Trump administration on August 4 to supplement state efforts and assistance following a statewide state of emergency declared on August 1.
At least three Snohomish County firefighting agencies have deployed to Eastern Washington— Everett Fire Department, South County Fire, and Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR). As of Saturday, August 8, about 43% of the Old Trails Fire, 47% of the Autumn Lane and 31% of the Fairview fires have been contained.
Authorities arrested Aaron Farinacci, 37, of Spokane on Aug. 3 on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the most destructive of the three. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said witnesses reported seeing Farinacci kneeling near grass at the suspected ignition point near Old Trails and Euclid roads. He was found with waterproof matches and a butane lighter.
Court documents later revealed that Farinacci allegedly admitted planning the fire about two weeks in advance, waiting for hot, dry and windy conditions. He also claimed responsibility for about 25 other fires in the area since July 2025, according to investigators.
Spokane County Prosecutors added additional arson charges, and a judge raised his bond to $2 million while ordering a mental competency evaluation. Farinacci has a prior manslaughter conviction in Mesa, Arizona for the killing of his father. Authorities have not linked him to the other two fires, which remain under investigation.
Boeing, which employs more than 65,000 people in Washington state, also will match qualifying employee donations to relief efforts through its gift-match programs. In 2025, Boeing provided nearly $30 million in charitable contributions across the state.
Author: Mario Lotmore
