Story perspectives

Aaron Farinacci Arrested for Spokane Arson, 3,500-Acre Blaze

8/6/2026

Summary

Farinacci Arrested

Authorities arrested Aaron Farinacci, 37, on first-degree arson for Spokane’s Old Trails Fire on Aug. 3, 2026.
He was held on a $1 million bond and had previously served a manslaughter sentence for killing his father in 2010.
Witnesses saw Farinacci kneeling near North Old Trails and West Euclid Roads with a lighter.
The blaze burned ~3,500 acres, destroyed >700 structures and helped push the Spokane Complex past >10,000 acres and ~65,000 evacuations.

Summary

Homeowners Sprinklers Fail

Homeowners in the Balboa Neighborhood ran roof sprinklers on Saturday, but the systems failed to stop homes from burning.
Climate scientist Lauren Stachowiak called climate change a “threat multiplier” that amplified fire intensity despite the arson suspect.
Gonzaga professor Kip Hill said social-media users spread conspiracy theories blaming tech firms and mysterious tree survival.
Fire spokesperson Justin de Ruyter explained house losses came from ember showers, not direct flame contact.

History

Historical Context

On August 20-21 1910 the Great Fire—known as the Big Burn—devastated over three million acres across Idaho, Montana and Washington, killing 87 people. Forest Service chief Gifford Pinchot’s report spurred a budget boost and an aggressive “all-fire-out” policy, later codified in the Weeks Act and the “10 a.m.” rule that still guide U.S. fire management.

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Farinacci Arrested

Authorities arrested Aaron Farinacci, 37, on first-degree arson for Spokane’s Old Trails Fire on Aug. 3, 2026.
He was held on a $1 million bond and had previously served a manslaughter sentence for killing his father in 2010.
Witnesses saw Farinacci kneeling near North Old Trails and West Euclid Roads with a lighter.
The blaze burned ~3,500 acres, destroyed >700 structures and helped push the Spokane Complex past >10,000 acres and ~65,000 evacuations.

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