Aaron Farinacci arrested for first-degree arson after being spotted by witness near the origin of the Old Trails Fire.
Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson for allegedly causing the Old Trails Fire in eastern Washington. The fire was the first of three major wildfires to be detected in the region, eventually engulfing more than 10,000 acres and destroying hundreds of homes. Law enforcement identified Farinacci as the suspect after Paul Child, a local resident, spotted him pacing and kneeling in the grass near the fire's origin. While Farinacci initially denied starting the fire, investigators determined the cause was consistent with an open flame from a match or lighter, which Farinacci was found carrying. Farinacci has a history of criminal activity, including a previous prison sentence for the manslaughter and aggravated assault of his father. He was released from prison in December 2020. The Old Trails Fire remains uncontained as firefighters continue to work to manage the devastation caused by the individual's intentional actions.