A man charged with setting the destructive Old Trails Fire in Spokane County saw his bail increase to $2 million. Prosecutors filed additional charges of arson and claimed he confessed to setting multiple fires in the area since 2025.
According to court documents, Aaron Forrest Farinacci, 37, admitted to setting 25 fires, monitored weather applications for favorable conditions, and used a delayed ignition device to start the Old Trails Fire.
New Charges Filed
During a recent court appearance, Judge Jeremy Schmidt charged Farinacci with four more counts of first-degree arson. These charges relate to fires allegedly set since the previous summer.
An arrest affidavit states Farinacci initially denied involvement during a lengthy interrogation but later confessed to planning and igniting the disastrous fire.
Link to Other Fires
Detectives linked Farinacci to other fires, including the Aubrey White, Copper River/Meenach, Fort George, and Indian Bluff incidents. Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam requested a bond increase given the severity of the charges.
The judge approved the prosecutor’s request, pointing out the seriousness of the accusations.
Mental Evaluation Request
The court delayed arraignment following Farinacci’s defense team’s request for a mental competency evaluation. This assessment will determine his capability to face trial.
The expanded charges result from the heavy destruction caused by the Old Trails Fire, which started on August 1. The fire scorched over 3,200 acres, demolished approximately 700 buildings, and forced over 60,000 residents to evacuate.
Confession and Planning
Court documents reveal Farinacci planned the fire for two weeks. He used a time-delay device comprised of paper, matches, cigarettes, and rubber bands, inspired by serial arsonist John Leonard Orr.
Farinacci allegedly set multiple fires to distract and thin out emergency responders.
Previous Conviction
Background checks disclosed a past manslaughter conviction. Farinacci had shot his father in Arizona in 2010. He served about a decade in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault in 2012.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Reporter Emma Bussey writes breaking news for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph covering various desks.
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