Washington man arrested on suspicion of starting Old Trails wildfire after eyewitness report

A Washington grandfather reported seeing a bald man near railroad tracks on West Euclid Road shortly before smoke rose and the Old Trails wildfire ignited on Saturday. Paul Child, who was driving his grandson at the time, said the man appeared to be working in the brush and later seemed nervous when he noticed the vehicle. The family observed a large plume of smoke minutes later and called 911, warning a nearby homeowner of the approaching fire.

Firefighters arrived as flames spread across dry grassland, prompting the family to evacuate their 17-acre property with pets. Child described the suspect to police as a bald white male in a green T-shirt and backpack. Spokane County deputies subsequently detained a man matching that description, and he was later identified as Aaron F. Farinacci.

Farinacci was charged with first-degree arson for allegedly setting the Old Trails Fire, which became the largest of three blazes that destroyed hundreds of structures and forced about 67,000 residents to evacuate. Court records indicate he had previously faced homicide-related charges in Arizona and served time for manslaughter and aggravated assault before his 2020 release.

Retired ATF executive Scott Sweetow explained that arson investigations begin by pinpointing a fire’s point of origin and then ruling out accidental causes such as lightning, power lines, or train sparks. Investigators rely on witness statements, video, cellphone data, and physical evidence, including any specialized matches or lighters found at the scene, to build a case.

Child expressed sympathy for other victims and said he hopes the individual responsible will be held accountable.