Aaron Farinacci, who is accused of starting the destructive Old Trails Fire, had previously drawn law enforcement attention during two separate fire investigations near Spokane in 2025, according to court records.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A Washington man accused of igniting a wildfire that forced thousands of residents to evacuate and contributed to widespread structural damage had been questioned during two other fire investigations in the Spokane area last year, court documents show.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, of Spokane was arrested Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire northwest of the city. A judge set his bail at $1 million during a court appearance Tuesday and scheduled his arraignment for Aug. 6.
The Old Trails Fire is one of three active fires in the region that had collectively burned 10,280 acres and damaged at least 700 structures as of Aug. 4, according to officials. All three fires remained 0% contained, and the causes of the other two blazes had not been determined.
Court records show Farinacci previously came into contact with authorities during investigations of two fires in 2025.
The Spokane Police Department contacted him while investigating fires near the Spokane River that began July 8, 2025. The following month, Washington State Patrol officers encountered Farinacci while searching for a suspect connected to a wildfire at Riverside State Park.
Officers found him sitting on a park bench and described him as “seemingly out of breath from possibly running,” according to the court documents.
Authorities photographed Farinacci during that encounter. An investigator later noted that he was wearing a green shirt similar to clothing witnesses said he wore over the weekend when he was allegedly observed near the origin of the Old Trails Fire.
Farinacci was initially detained on the same day the Old Trails Fire began but was released. Investigators subsequently reviewed witness accounts and physical evidence, identified him as a suspect and arrested him Monday.
The case is based partly on information supplied by a man who told police he saw an individual later identified as Farinacci crouching near a group of trees and appearing nervous.
Approximately 10 minutes later, the witness noticed that a fire had begun at the same location. He returned to the area and contacted law enforcement.
Investigators said Farinacci had been observed within 10 meters of the location where the fire originated. They determined that the blaze was consistent with having been started using a match or lighter.
When authorities detained Farinacci approximately a mile from the fire, he allegedly possessed waterproof matches and a butane lighter.
Farinacci denied starting the blaze, according to court records.
His criminal record includes a manslaughter conviction in Arizona stemming from the fatal shooting of his father during an argument in 2010, police said.
Farinacci was released from probation in Arizona in early 2024. A probation officer reported that he had maintained a stable residence with his girlfriend and her family during the preceding year.
The officer also noted, however, that Farinacci had not completed a mental health evaluation or domestic violence treatment.
The Old Trails Fire has prompted large-scale evacuations as firefighters work to protect homes and other structures northwest of Spokane. Officials have not established whether the three fires now burning in the region are connected.
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