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

The arrest comes after a weekend of devastation that Gov. Bob Ferguson described as the worst natural disaster in Spokane’s history. Farinacci, a resident of the Spokane area, was taken into custody about four miles from where the fire ignited on Saturday afternoon. He is currently being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

The Evidence Against Aaron Farinacci

The case against Farinacci was built through a combination of witness reports and physical evidence. According to KXLY, a witness reported seeing a man looking nervous in the trees, and smoke was observed rising from that area 10 minutes later. Investigators later determined that Farinacci was likely kneeling in the grass at the exact spot where the fire started.

Law enforcement initially contacted Farinacci on the day of the fire, more than a mile from the ignition site, but released him so first responders could prioritize firefighting efforts. Upon his arrest Monday, officials found he was in possession of a butane lighter and waterproof matches. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels noted that while Farinacci has no prior arson convictions, he had been contacted previously for arson-related behavior.

“You don’t know the whole story.”

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

Aaron Farinacci, according to Sheriff John Nowels via msn.com

Old Trails Fire: Destruction and Displacement

The Old Trails fire is the most destructive of three active blazes in Spokane County. It began Saturday near Airway Heights, specifically around West Euclid Road and North Old Trails Road, before sweeping through Riverside State Park and into north Spokane neighborhoods. The fire’s speed was catastrophic; The Spokesman-Review observed that by 12:37 p.m. Saturday, the fire was roughly 200 acres and growing fast, jumping Old Trails Road by 12:45 p.m. and threatening Euclid Road seconds later.

The scale of loss is staggering. While damage assessments are ongoing via aerial surveys, officials report that at least 700 structures have been destroyed, with one estimate citing 640 structures specifically from the Old Trails fire. Residents have returned to find nothing but ash or chimneys. Angela Deatherage, who lost her home of 22 years, described the scene as if her house sunk down in the basement.

Spokane Wildfires Destroy 700 Structures and Displace 65,000 People

Metric	Reported Impact
Total Displaced	More than 60,000 people
Total Area Burned (3 fires)	Over 10,000 acres / 12.5 square miles
Structures Destroyed	At least 700
Firefighter Deployment	Over 1,000 (expected to double)

Farinacci’s Criminal History in Arizona

Beyond the current arson charges, Farinacci is a convicted felon with a history of violence. According to records cited by KXLY and the Phoenix News Times, he was convicted of manslaughter in Mesa, Arizona. The 2010 incident involved Farinacci fatally shooting his father following an argument over doing the dishes; he subsequently attempted to shoot himself in the chest.

Uncontained Flames and Regional Crisis

Despite the arrest, the immediate danger remains. Fire officials state the blazes are completely uncontained. While the Old Trails fire is the priority, two other fires—Autumn Lane and Fairview—remain under investigation. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the lead agency on the investigation, has ruled out any natural cause for the Old Trails blaze.

Spokane Wildfires Destroy 700 Structures and Force 60,000 to Evacuate

The regional crisis extends beyond Spokane. Severe drought and low snowpack have fueled fires across the West. In western Idaho and eastern Oregon, a lightning-caused fire has burned over 530 square miles and threatens 800 structures.

As the community begins to survey the ruins, the legal process for Farinacci moves forward. His first court appearance is expected on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, while Washington state continues to seek a federal major disaster declaration to assist the thousands still out of their homes.