Spokane Arson Suspect Charged After Massive Wildfire Destruction

Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested in Spokane County, Washington, and initially charged with one count of first-degree arson for the Old Trails fire that ignited in early August 2026. Prosecutors later added four additional first-degree arson counts, bringing the total to five. The Old Trails fire was one of three blazes that forced the evacuation of more than 65,000 residents and destroyed almost 700 structures. Farinacci has not entered a plea, and a competency evaluation has been requested by his public defender.

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The Old Trails fire joined the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires to create the largest wildfire event in the Spokane region in recent years. Earlier incidents linked to Farinacci include the Aubrey White fire on July 6 2025, the Equestrian fire on August 11 2025, and the Indian Bluff fire on July 24 2025. Detectives describe these as a pattern of serial arson, defined by the U.S. Department of Justice as three or more fires set over an extended period.

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• Fires linked to Farinacci: 5 confirmed counts of first-degree arson.

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• Structures destroyed in the three-fire event: ? 700 buildings.

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• Area burned: > 10,000 acres.

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• Evacuations triggered: > 65,000 people.

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• Prior felony record: manslaughter plea in 2010, 12-year sentence.

New York Times

Sheriff John Nowels said investigators found matches and a butane lighter on Farinacci at the Old Trails scene, indicating intentional ignition. Prosecuting Attorney Preston McCollam noted Washington law treats each fire as a single prosecutable “unit” and requested that Farinacci’s bond be increased from $1 million to $2 million.

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Local resident Paul Child, who lives less than half a mile from the ignition site, recounted seeing a man in a green T-shirt kneeling in the grass shortly before the blaze spread. Child’s observation helped police locate Farinacci within an hour of the fire’s start.

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• “He feels fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth,” — Michael Drapeau

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• “My first response was … ‘That S.O.B. started a fire,’” — Paul Child

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• The exact number of prior fires attributed to Farinacci varies; prosecutors have confirmed four additional fires, while investigators have identified at least five historic incidents.

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• Details of Farinacci’s alleged “time-delay device” and his research into serial arsonist John Leonard Orr remain unverified beyond affidavit statements.

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A competency evaluation has been ordered, and prosecutors indicated that additional charges may be filed as further evidence emerges. The Spokane County court will schedule subsequent hearings to determine trial readiness.

New York Times