Aaron F. Farinacci Arrested for Arson in Connection With Old Trails Fire

Arrest Made in Connection With the Old Trails Fire

According to Cbsnews, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated during a press conference that investigators began looking into Farinacci after a witness reported seeing him kneeling near the grass where the fire originated on Saturday. Law enforcement detained Farinacci and found him in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter. Washington state Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Ryan Rodruck noted that natural causes have been ruled out, and the Spokesman-Review reported that the Old Trails fire is presumed to be human-caused.

Witness Reports and Ongoing Investigation

Investigators with the Department of Natural Resources and the Spokane County Major Crimes unit worked jointly to determine the origin of the fire, according to KHQ. A witness contacted the Airway Heights Police after observing a man looking into the trees just before smoke appeared in the area. Farinacci was located less than a mile from the fire when he was taken into custody.

Aaron Farinacci Arrested for First-Degree Arson in Old Trails Fire

Spokane County Prosecutor Preston Credit commended the public’s watchfulness. “It was through the work of vigilant citizens who were noticing things awry in their community, who were noticing things that were different and who took the time to engage with law enforcement to make sure the necessary information was shared,” Prosecutor Preston McCollam said, as cited by the Spokesman-Review. Sheriff Nowels emphasized that the inquiry remains active, stating, It is a continuing and ongoing investigation.

Spokane Wildfires Destroy 700 Structures and Force 65,000 to Evacuate

Suspect Criminal Background

Sheriff Nowels disclosed that Farinacci has a prior manslaughter conviction. According to KHQ, Farinacci was originally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the 2010 killing of his father in Maricopa County, Arizona, but that charge was dismissed following a grand jury indictment. By 2012, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault.

While Farinacci has no prior arson convictions on his record, Spokane County officials stated he had previously been contacted regarding arson-related behavior.

Broader Wildfire Context and Impacts

The cluster of three fires near Spokane—which includes the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire, and the Autumn Lane Fire—has destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced roughly 67,000 residents to evacuate, according to Apnews and Cbsnews. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the situation as a nightmare, calling it likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane history.

Spokane Wildfires Destroy 700 Structures and Displace 65,000 People

As Reuters reported, the blazes have burned over 8,000 acres since igniting Saturday amid extreme drought, high heat, and strong winds. Roughly 1,100 firefighters have been deployed to combat the Spokane complex, which ranks as a top national firefighting priority while straining resources across the Pacific Northwest.