Suspect in Washington state wildfire was questioned about blazes last year

Spokane Man Faces Arson Charges After Wildfire Destroys Homes and Forces Evacuations

Wanderstayfinder.com – Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident, stands accused of igniting the Old Trails fire, a massive blaze that has consumed thousands of acres and displaced countless families across north-eastern Washington. Court records reveal that this is not the first time authorities have looked into Farinacci’s potential involvement in wildfires. Last summer, he was questioned regarding two separate fire investigations in the same region, though no charges were filed at that time.

The Old Trails fire ranks among three significant wildfires currently raging through Spokane county. Farinacci was taken into custody on Monday and formally booked on suspicion of first-degree arson. His case arrives during what state officials have characterized as an extraordinary fire season, driven by relentless heat, prolonged drought conditions, and constrained firefighting resources across the Pacific north-west.

Arrest and Evidence Against the Suspect

Law enforcement officials arrested Farinacci after investigators systematically eliminated alternative explanations for the fire’s origin. The timing of his arrest proved significant, coming shortly after authorities confirmed he had been questioned about previous fires in the area. Witnesses played a crucial role in identifying Farinacci as a person of interest. Several individuals observed him kneeling in the brush near where the Old Trails fire first began.

Paul Child, who was driving through the area with his grandson at the time, provided a vivid account of what he witnessed.

He was bent over in the brush, acting nervous. You get the feeling this guy’s up to something.

This observation helped investigators focus their attention on Farinacci as a potential suspect.

Physical evidence further strengthened the case against him. Authorities discovered that Farinacci possessed waterproof matches, cigarettes, and a butane lighter when he was apprehended. These items, combined with witness testimony and the timing of his presence near the fire’s origin, contributed to the decision to charge him with first-degree arson.

Previous Fire Connections in the Region

Farinacci’s connection to wildfires extends beyond the current incident. In July 2025, multiple fires described as “bus-sized” erupted in an area close to both the Spokane River and Farinacci’s apartment. The proximity of these fires to his residence caught the attention of local authorities.

The following month, police officers searching for a wildfire suspect at a nearby state park encountered Farinacci sitting on a bench. According to reports, he appeared to be out of breath, possibly from running. Officers documented the encounter with photographs and noted that he was wearing a green T-shirt, the same type of shirt he was observed wearing on the day of the Old Trails fire.

Although Farinacci was questioned in connection with both of these earlier investigations, prosecutors did not pursue charges at that time. The current arrest represents a significant escalation in the investigation into his potential role in multiple fire incidents.

Criminal History and Background

Since his arrest in connection with the Old Trails fire, details about Farinacci’s criminal past have become more apparent. He previously served approximately ten years in prison for manslaughter and aggravated assault related to the 2010 killing of his father. The incident occurred when Farinacci was 21 years old and took place in a family home in Arizona following an argument.

Farinacci was released from probation in early 2024. At that time, a probation officer noted that he maintained a stable residence with his girlfriend and her family. However, the officer also pointed out that Farinacci had not completed a mental health evaluation or domestic violence treatment program, factors that may be relevant to his case.

Fire Season Context and Containment Efforts

The wildfires burning around Spokane have scorched more than 10,000 acres of land, destroying homes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The situation has been particularly challenging given the broader context of Washington’s fire season. Officials have described the current conditions as extraordinary, citing extreme heat, drought, and limited resources as contributing factors.

Recent weather patterns have provided some relief for firefighters. Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity have aided containment efforts in recent days. Fire crews have successfully established containment lines along all three major fires in the region. The focus has now shifted to strengthening these containment lines and preparing for the return of critical fire weather conditions expected this week and over the weekend.

John Nowels, the Spokane county sheriff, emphasized that Farinacci was initially questioned shortly after the Old Trails fire began. This early investigation, combined with the new evidence, has led to the current charges. Farinacci has denied setting the Old Trails fire, and his case will now proceed through the legal system.

As of now, Farinacci is being held on $1 million bail while awaiting further proceedings. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and firefighters in the region, where multiple incidents can occur simultaneously during peak fire season. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for how similar situations are handled in the future, particularly regarding the investigation of potential arson suspects in wildfire-prone areas.

The Old Trails fire remains one of more than a dozen large blazes currently burning across Washington state. Residents in the affected areas continue to monitor containment progress as crews work to protect communities from further damage. The combination of weather conditions, resource availability, and effective firefighting strategies will determine whether containment efforts succeed before the next round of critical fire weather arrives.