Washington Man Arrested in Connection with Old Trails Fire

Authorities in Washington state arrested Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, on a first-degree arson charge related to the Old Trails Fire. This wildfire is one of several in the Spokane area that have destroyed hundreds of structures and forced thousands to evacuate.

Farinacci’s arrest came after detectives from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from the Washington Department of Natural Resources found probable cause. Citizen tips and information from Airway Heights police officers and Spokane County sheriff’s deputies aided the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.

Officials identified Farinacci as a convicted felon from Arizona but noted he had no criminal history involving fires. Investigators have not linked Farinacci to two other major blazes in the area, the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated, “We will be looking into any other crimes Mr. Farinacci may have committed in the past.” He emphasized that the first-degree arson charge was supported by probable cause, but noted the case might evolve with further evidence.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Farinacci and searched his residence on West Elliott Drive. Deputies arrested him without incident and found a butane lighter and waterproof matches during the search.

Farinacci is being held on $1 million bond at the Spokane County Jail. The Old Trails Fire, reported near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road, has become the largest of three fires around Spokane, remaining uncontained.

The three wildfires have collectively destroyed at least 700 structures and led to evacuation orders affecting about 67,000 people. More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the blazes.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency on Saturday, citing drought, high temperatures, and strong winds. The emergency declaration also banned most outdoor and agricultural burning until September 30.