A 37-year-old man accused of igniting a major wildfire in northeast Washington reportedly spent weeks preparing for the incident, according to court documents released in the case. Aaron F. Farinacci was taken into custody on August 3 and currently faces a first-degree arson charge related to the Old Trails Fire, which began on August 1 just northwest of Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city. The blaze is one of three significant wildfires currently burning in the region, which have collectively destroyed hundreds of structures and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
In amended court papers filed on August 5, Spokane County Detective Michael Drapeau stated that Farinacci provided additional details during a post-arrest interview regarding his alleged intent and planning process. Farinacci reportedly described arson as an “easy crime to get away” with and informed police that he began his preparations roughly two weeks before setting the fire. He allegedly researched weather forecasts to identify conditions he deemed “ideal to start a fire,” and he further claimed that he sustained a tailbone injury while initiating the blaze.
While Farinacci initially denied being present at the scene during his first questioning by authorities, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels reported that a witness observed a man, later identified as Farinacci, kneeling in the area and appearing “nervous.” Although police discovered him in possession of a lighter and matches, Farinacci continued to deny starting the fire in his initial statements to investigators.
The investigation has expanded significantly following Farinacci's interview. He told investigators he was responsible for 25 other fires across Spokane County that posed threats to human life, property, woodland, and structures. Prosecutors are now seeking four additional arson charges based on these admissions. As of August 6, a judge had not yet determined if probable cause existed for those additional counts, as investigators noted they have been unable to corroborate his involvement in the other fires to date.
Records indicate that Farinacci was previously contacted by law enforcement at least twice in 2025 regarding other fires in the same region. Additionally, he has a prior criminal history, including a manslaughter conviction for the 2010 fatal shooting of his father in Arizona. During an August 6 hearing, Spokane County Superior Court Judge Jeremy T. Schmidt delayed Farinacci’s arraignment to determine if a competency evaluation is necessary. The judge, who expects to review the new case information over the next day, also granted a prosecutor's request to double the suspect's bond from $1 million to $2 million. Judge Schmidt cited “a significant risk to community safety as well as the potential for a violent offense and future failure to appear” as reasons for the bond increase. A public defender has been appointed to represent Farinacci.
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