Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said a tip from a citizen led investigators to detain a suspect early in the investigation. Nowels said authorities believe Farinacci used matches or a lighter to start the fire. The suspect denied starting the fire, telling officers that he used the matches to light his cigarette, the documents said. About 14 years ago, Farinacci pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge in Arizona, according to court records reviewed by NPR. Spokane High School in Mead, Wash.Over the past few days, the wildfires in Spokane have been fueled by high winds, temperatures and dry weather.