A Spokane County man has been charged with multiple counts of arson after allegedly confessing to starting the devastating Old Trails Fire, one of three wildfires that burned over 900 structures and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands in Washington state.
Court documents reveal premeditation and detailed planning by the suspect, who is accused of researching weather conditions and constructing a delayed ignition device to ignite the blaze. The suspect, Aaron Farinacci, 37, was arraigned Thursday on three first-degree arson charges, with additional charges pending after prosecutors filed four more counts based on his alleged admissions.
Bail set at $2 million following a competency evaluation request by defense attorneys. Judge Jeremy Schmidt ruled Farinacci posed a risk to community safety and a flight risk, citing the gravity of the charges and potential for violent offenses.
Core Facts: Arraignment and Charges
Farinacci made his first court appearance Thursday, where prosecutors presented expanded charges based on his alleged confession during a police interrogation. The suspect is accused of starting the Old Trails Fire on August 1, which burned 3,200 acres and destroyed 694 structures, according to fire officials. Prosecutors allege Farinacci confessed to 25 fires since 2025, including the Old Trails Fire and three others: the Aubrey White, Copper River/Meenach, and Fort George blazes.
During the interrogation, Farinacci initially denied involvement before later admitting to planning and setting the Old Trails Fire, as well as other blazes. Spokane County Detective Michael Drapeau stated in court filings that Farinacci researched weather conditions—specifically high winds, low humidity, and high heat—to maximize the fire’s spread. He also examined the work of a well-known serial arsonist and constructed a time-delay ignition device using notebook paper, matches, a cigarette, and a rubber band.
Evidence and Investigation Details
Prosecutors allege Farinacci monitored weather apps to identify ideal conditions for ignition, ultimately choosing August 1 due to forecasted winds reaching 50 mph. Court documents indicate he had multiple potential locations in mind but selected the Old Trails Fire site because he believed it would "get bad"—though he claimed he did not intend for the fire to grow as large as it did.
Eyewitness accounts played a role in the investigation. A local resident, Paul Child, reported seeing a bald man lingering near railroad tracks in the hours before the fire started. Child and his family later connected the sighting to the smoke rising from the same area. Child called 911 and warned a neighbor, who was able to evacuate before the fire reached his property.
Farinacci was arrested on August 3 after police linked him to the fires through evidence and his confession. His defense team has requested a mental competency evaluation, delaying his arraignment and plea. The judge set bail at $2 million, a decision prosecutors supported, citing the severity of the charges and the potential for further destruction.
Impact and Community Response
The Old Trails Fire, along with two other blazes in the Spokane area, has resulted in widespread destruction, with 913 structures damaged or destroyed as of the latest reports. Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated, and recovery efforts are ongoing. Fire officials have not yet determined the total financial impact of the fires.
Local residents and officials have expressed shock and frustration over the alleged premeditation behind the fires. Ana Dillon, Child’s daughter, described the moment she saw the smoke: “I just happened to look up and saw a huge cloud of white smoke, then black smoke.” The family’s quick action helped prevent additional property damage, but the emotional toll on the community remains significant.
Farinacci remains held without bail pending further court proceedings. His defense has not yet commented publicly on the case.