Full Breakdown
Arrest of Aaron Farinacci Linked to Spokane’s Old Trails Wildfire
8/4/2026, 12:14:51 PM
Core Event
On August 3, 2026, Spokane County authorities arrested 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson for the Old Trails fire that ignited Saturday near West Euclid Road and North Old Trails Road, northeast of Airway Heights. Witnesses reported seeing a man in a green shirt and backpack kneeling in grass at the ignition point; deputies detained Farinacci about a mile and a half from that spot, released him briefly to prioritize firefighting, and re-arrested him after investigators linked the scene to his presence.
Fire Impact and Scope
The Old Trails blaze burned 3,619 acres and destroyed roughly 700 structures. It was the largest of three simultaneous fires—Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Fairview—affecting over 10,000 acres in Spokane County. Evacuations forced 65,000 people to leave their homes; NBC News reported 67,000 displaced. No fatalities have been confirmed, though officials continue to contact individuals who sought evacuation assistance.
Official Statements & Responses
- “It is a continuing and ongoing investigation,” — County Sheriff John Nowels, Spokane County.
- “We are working with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and our fire district partners to investigate. We have ruled out any natural cause,” — Ryan Rodruck, Washington State Department of Natural Resources spokesperson.
Sheriff Nowels added that investigators found evidence consistent with a match or butane lighter at the ignition point and that Farinacci possessed waterproof matches and a butane lighter. Prosecuting Attorney Preston McCollam noted Farinacci had been previously questioned for “arson-related behavior” but had no prior arson convictions.
Data & Statistics
- Acres burned: 3,619 (federal incident commander Tom Clemo, NBC).
- Structures destroyed: ~700 (NBC).
- Evacuees: 65,000 vs. 67,000 (NBC) – a minor discrepancy among reports.
- Bond: $1 million (Sheriff Nowels, NBC).
- Criminal background: Manslaughter conviction in Maricopa County, Arizona (2012) (McCollam, NBC).
The investigation remains active, with authorities emphasizing that the fire’s origin aligns precisely with the location where Farinacci was observed kneeling in the grass.
