In a significant development in the battle against destructive wildfires in Washington, a local man has been apprehended on charges of first-degree arson. The suspect is linked to the Old Trails Fire, a devastating blaze responsible for obliterating hundreds of structures and compelling mass evacuations in the Spokane region, law enforcement disclosed.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci, was arrested following a collaborative effort between detectives from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and investigators from the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Their findings provided sufficient grounds for his arrest, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office.
Crucial tips from the public, combined with vital information from responding Airway Heights officers and Spokane County deputies, were instrumental in zeroing in on Farinacci, the sheriff’s office reported.
Authorities have revealed that Farinacci is a convicted felon originally from Arizona. However, they noted that his criminal record does not include any fire-related offenses.
Officials clarified that Farinacci currently has no known ties to two other significant fires raging in the vicinity, specifically the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, was charged with first-degree arson. (Spokane County Sheriff’s Office)
“We will be looking into any other crimes Mr. Farinacci may have committed in the past,” Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said during a news briefing.
Nowels said first-degree arson was the charge supported by probable cause at that stage of the investigation and cautioned that the case could change as authorities gathered additional evidence.
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Farinacci and a search warrant for his residence in the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies served the warrant Monday and arrested Farinacci without incident. Authorities said detectives found a butane lighter and waterproof matches while detaining and searching him.
Firefighters respond to wildfires near Spokane, Washington, on Aug. 2, 2026. (South Pend Oreille Fire Rescue / FOX Weather)
Farinacci was booked into the Spokane County Jail and was being held on $1 million bond.
The Old Trails Fire was first reported Saturday near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road. It became the largest of three destructive fires burning around Spokane and remained uncontained Monday, according to authorities and wire reports.
Wildfires rage in Spokane, Washington, on Aug. 2, 2026. (South Pend Oreille Fire Rescue)
The three fires had collectively destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted evacuation orders affecting approximately 67,000 people as of Monday, according to The Associated Press. More than 1,000 firefighters were battling the blazes.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide wildfire emergency Saturday amid drought, unusually high temperatures and strong winds. The declaration also imposed a statewide prohibition on most outdoor and agricultural burning through Sept. 30.