Spokane man charged with multiple arsons allegedly planned wildfire for weeks

Spokane County detectives allege that Aaron Farinacci, 37, deliberately planned and executed the Old Trails wildfire, which became one of three major blazes that have burned more than 850 structures and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. Police say Farinacci researched weather forecasts to select a hot, windy day with low humidity and purchased materials to build a “time-delay device” using notebook paper, matches, a cigarette and a rubber band. He chose Saturday, Aug. 1, when winds were expected to reach 50 mph, to start the fire.

Farinacci is charged with five counts of first-degree arson, including four additional fires set in the summer of 2025 and one in July 2026. He denied involvement when first contacted, but later admitted to the Old Trails fire and the other incidents during an interview with detectives. The court set his bond at $2 million, citing risks to public safety and flight.

The Old Trails fire, along with the Autumn Lane and Fairview blazes, has destroyed entire neighborhoods; no deaths or serious injuries have been reported, but many residents remain unable to return home. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels warned that it could take weeks before the affected areas are safe for re-occupation.

A local resident, Paul Child, reported seeing Farinacci near railroad tracks acting nervously before the fire started, leading police to the suspect. Farinacci’s criminal history includes a decade-long prison term after a 2010 killing in Arizona, for which he later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault. His attorney has requested a competency evaluation, citing mental-health concerns.

"Fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth," Farinacci told detectives, according to a court filing.

The investigation continues as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and pursue additional arson leads.