Spokane Man Arrested for Arson in Devastating Wildfire That Torched 10,000 Acres

A 37-year-old Spokane man has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire, one of three major wildfires raging in the Spokane area. Authorities identified Aaron Farinacci after witnesses reported seeing him acting suspiciously and kneeling in the grass near the fire’s ignition point. Investigators later found waterproof matches and a butane lighter in his possession, consistent with how the blaze is believed to have begun. Farinacci, who has a prior manslaughter conviction from Arizona, was taken into custody without incident and is being held on high bond.

The Old Trails Fire and two other blazes have collectively scorched more than 10,000 acres, destroyed around 700 structures, and forced the evacuation of more than 67,000 residents. Remarkably, no deaths or injuries have been reported so far despite the rapid spread and widespread destruction. Firefighters and emergency crews continue working under difficult conditions as the fires remain largely uncontained. The scale of the damage has left entire neighborhoods in ruins and thousands of families displaced.

Sheriff’s officials and fire investigators pieced together the case using witness accounts, body-camera footage from the initial contact, and physical evidence linking Farinacci to the exact origin point of the Old Trails Fire. He is not currently tied to the other two fires burning in the region, which remain under separate investigation. The arrest marks a significant step toward accountability in a disaster that has upended life for tens of thousands of people in eastern Washington.

As crews battle the remaining flames and residents begin assessing losses, the focus remains on public safety and supporting those affected. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could follow. Local officials have praised the cooperation of citizens whose tips helped lead to the rapid identification and arrest of the suspect. Communities across the Spokane area continue to pull together while awaiting further updates on containment and recovery efforts.