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Aaron Farinacci Charged with Arson for Old Trails Fire

8/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Aaron F. Farinacci was charged with five counts of arson after admitting he started the Old Trails Fire.
Prosecutors added four counts, raised his bond to $2 million, and sought a competency evaluation.
The fire destroyed nearly 700 buildings and forced evacuations of 65,000 people.
He told detectives he studied arsonist John Leonard Orr, bought a time-delay device, and ignited the fire on August 1, a day with high winds.

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Story summary

Aaron F. Farinacci was charged with five counts of arson after admitting he started the Old Trails Fire.
Prosecutors added four counts, raised his bond to $2 million, and sought a competency evaluation.
The fire destroyed nearly 700 buildings and forced evacuations of 65,000 people.
He told detectives he studied arsonist John Leonard Orr, bought a time-delay device, and ignited the fire on August 1, a day with high winds.