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Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old resident of Spokane, Washington, stands accused of starting a destructive wildfire after meticulously studying meteorological conditions to maximize the blaze’s impact, according to court documents filed by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators state that Farinacci planned the Old Trails wildfire for weeks, selecting a Saturday in August marked by severe winds and low humidity to accelerate the destruction.
Investigation and Court Proceedings
Farinacci faces five counts of first-degree arson following his arrest in connection with the Old Trails fire and four additional blazes ignited during the summer of 2025 and the month of July 2026, according to court records. Spokane County Superior Court Judge Jeremy Schmidt ordered Farinacci held on a $2 million bond, citing community safety risks, flight risks, and the potential for violent offenses. Defense attorney Colin Charbonneau requested a mental health evaluation for his client before entering a formal plea.
According to statements made by Spokane County detective Michael Drapeau in an affidavit, Farinacci confessed to multiple counts of arson during police interviews. The suspect told investigators that he routinely carried lighters and matches to have a legitimate reason for carrying them, noting that arson is easily concealed if a perpetrator plans methodically. Court filings indicate that Farinacci constructed a delayed ignition device using notebook paper, matches, a cigarette, and a rubber band to ignite the vegetation.
Meteorological Planning and Spokane Wildfires
Police documents reveal that Farinacci monitored regional weather forecasts to strike when environmental conditions favored rapid fire spread. He specifically targeted August 1, anticipating sustained winds reaching 50 mph alongside high temperatures and low humidity, as detailed by Detective Drapeau. The resulting wildfire obliterated numerous residences and forced thousands of local residents to evacuate.
Beyond the Old Trails fire, investigators linked Farinacci to a series of approximately 25 smaller fires reported near his apartment complex and the Centennial Trail during 2025 and 2026, including the Aubrey White, Meenach, Fort George, and Indian Bluff fires. While some of these earlier incidents caused only minor exterior damage to structures, others evolved into fast-moving emergencies that triggered widespread road closures and community evacuations across the northern Spokane area.
Community Tip and Prior Criminal History
The breakthrough in the arson investigation originated from an observant civilian witness. Paul Child, 64, told the Associated Press that he spotted a man acting suspiciously and crouching in the brush near railway tracks while driving with his grandson. Child’s report to local authorities directed investigators toward Farinacci.
Court records show that Farinacci previously served a prison sentence of roughly ten years following an incident in Mesa, Arizona, in 2010. Arrested initially on a murder charge after shooting his father, Farinacci ultimately pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault in 2012.