Spokane arson arrest, Old Trails Fire: Aaron Farinacci 2026

Key Points

• Aaron Farinacci, 37, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire in Spokane, Washington.
• The Old Trails Fire is one of three wildfires burning in and around Spokane County.
• Authorities say the blaze is part of a wider wildfire emergency that has forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate and damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and other buildings.
• Farinacci was taken into custody on Monday and is being held on a $1 million bond.
• Prosecutors said he poses a danger to the community during his first court appearance.
• Officials said investigators developed probable cause after gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses.
• Court and media reports state that Farinacci has a prior conviction in Arizona, including a manslaughter conviction.

Spokane (Evening Washington News) August 5, 2026 — A man has been arrested in connection with a major wildfire investigation in eastern Washington after authorities identified him as the suspected person responsible for starting the Old Trails Fire.

According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect is 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci, who was arrested on Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources built the case before executing a search warrant at Farinacci’s residence and arresting him without incident. The Old Trails Fire is one of three major wildfires that erupted north and west of Spokane during a fast-moving regional wildfire emergency.

Officials said investigators believe the fire was intentionally set, alleging that matches or a lighter were used to ignite roadside grass where the blaze began.

Who is Aaron Farinacci and what has been said about his background?

Authorities identified the suspect as Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, of Spokane.

Court and media reports indicate that Farinacci has a prior felony record in Arizona, including a manslaughter conviction. Authorities also confirmed he is a convicted felon.

Following his initial court appearance, he remained in custody on a $1 million bond after prosecutors argued that he poses a danger to the community.

What do officials say happened at the fire scene?

Investigators said the arrest followed witness interviews and forensic work at the ignition site.

Authorities allege Farinacci used matches or a lighter to ignite roadside grass where the Old Trails Fire started. Investigators also reported recovering waterproof matches and a butane lighter at the time of his arrest.

Witness statements helped investigators narrow their search, while additional evidence collected during the investigation led authorities to establish probable cause before obtaining a search warrant.

Farinacci was booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson.

How serious are the Spokane wildfires?

The wildfire emergency around Spokane has been severe.

The three major fires have forced approximately 64,000 people to evacuate and have destroyed more than 700 homes and other structures, making them among the region’s most destructive wildfires in recent years.

Firefighters continue working to contain the blazes while protecting threatened communities across Spokane County.

What happened in court?

Farinacci made his first court appearance after being charged with first-degree arson.

A judge set his bond at $1 million, and prosecutors argued that he should remain in custody because they consider him a danger to the public.

His arraignment is scheduled to take place later this week as the criminal case proceeds.

What have local authorities said about the investigation?

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said Major Crimes detectives and state fire investigators worked together throughout the investigation.

Authorities executed a search warrant at Farinacci’s home on West Elliott Drive before arresting him without incident.

Officials also said investigators had initially interviewed Farinacci shortly after the fire began but released him before additional evidence and witness information established probable cause for his arrest.

Background

The Old Trails Fire is one of three major wildfires that ignited around Spokane over the weekend, intensifying a broader wildfire emergency across eastern Washington.

Hot, dry weather and dangerous fire conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the fires, resulting in widespread evacuations and extensive damage to homes, businesses, and other buildings.

Alongside efforts to contain the fires, investigators have been working to determine their causes.

What could this mean for residents and firefighters?

For Spokane residents, the arrest may provide some answers about how the Old Trails Fire allegedly started, but it does not reduce the ongoing danger from the remaining active wildfires.

Fire crews continue focusing on containing the blazes, protecting threatened communities, and assisting displaced residents.

The investigation may also increase attention on wildfire prevention, arson enforcement, and emergency preparedness as recovery efforts continue across the region.