A 37-year-old Spokane man is facing a first-degree arson charge for allegedly igniting the Old Trails Fire, one of several wildfires that have forced tens of thousands of residents from their homes across eastern Washington. Aaron Farinacci appeared in court Tuesday, where he was ordered held on a $1 million bond, according to NewsNation affiliate KREM2.
The fires in the Spokane area have burned more than 250,000 acres and destroyed at least 600 structures, with roughly 60,000 people under evacuation orders. Statewide, about 390 square miles have been scorched, and several blazes, including the Fairview and Autumn Lane fires, remain uncontained. Investigators have not yet determined what caused those fires, but the Old Trails Fire has been attributed to Farinacci.
How the suspect was caught
According to officials, the investigation began Aug. 1 after a witness reported seeing a man crouched in the grass around noon, looking nervous. Shortly afterward, the witness observed smoke rising from that exact spot. Police searched for the man during the ensuing evacuations and located him about four miles from the fire's origin, but released him at the time due to insufficient evidence.
Investigators later developed probable cause to arrest him. When taken into custody at his home, officials say he was carrying waterproof matches and a butane lighter. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible, authorities said.
Who is Aaron Farinacci?
Farinacci is a Spokane resident with a prior criminal record. Court records show he is a convicted felon in Arizona for manslaughter and premeditated murder. He has no previous history of arson.
The case has drawn attention amid a broader spate of wildfire-related arrests and legal battles across the country. In a separate incident, a Spokane man was arrested for arson in connection with the same fire, though officials have not clarified whether that refers to Farinacci or another individual. Meanwhile, other jurisdictions are grappling with fire-related crimes, from a California man charged after spray-painting Teslas to more serious arson cases.
Legal experts note that arson charges can carry severe penalties, especially when they lead to mass evacuations and property destruction. The $1 million bond reflects the seriousness of the allegations, and Farinacci's prior felony convictions could influence sentencing if he is convicted.
The wildfires have strained local resources, with firefighters battling multiple blazes simultaneously. State officials have declared emergencies in several counties, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is assisting with recovery efforts. The cause of the other fires remains under investigation, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as dry, windy conditions persist.
Farinacci's next court appearance has not been scheduled. His attorney has not commented publicly on the charges.
