SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 5 (Our Washington Times) — Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, of Spokane, was arrested by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and booked on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, authorities said. The fire was one of three that destroyed at least 700 buildings or other structures in the Spokane area and led to evacuation orders affecting roughly 67,000 people.
Farinacci appeared in Spokane County court, where bond was set at $1 million. The arson allegation is a charge, not a finding of guilt. Prosecutors must prove the case in court, and the available records do not identify Farinacci’s defense lawyer or include a statement from him beyond his reported denial of setting the fire.
What are authorities alleging?
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said its Major Crimes detectives worked with fire investigators from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Investigators developed probable cause and obtained arrest and search warrants before Farinacci’s arrest, the sheriff’s office said.
Sheriff John Nowels said investigators believe the Old Trails Fire was intentionally started with matches or a lighter. Authorities said Farinacci had waterproof matches and a butane lighter when he was detained or arrested.
According to an affidavit cited in the arrest coverage, Farinacci denied setting the fire during questioning. The sheriff’s office has said a witness saw a man near the area where the Old Trails Fire began. The witness’s identity has not been released in the available records.
The three fires — Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview — have been referred to collectively as the Spokane Complex Fire. Authorities have not alleged that Farinacci started the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires, and officials have not publicly provided a motive.
How severe was the fire damage?
The fires began Aug. 1, according to officials cited in reports about the investigation. Damage and evacuation totals varied as assessments continued, but officials reported that at least 700 buildings or structures had been destroyed.
Evacuation orders affected between about 64,000 and 67,000 people, depending on the report and the stage of the emergency. Federal incident commander Tom Clemo was cited as giving the figure of 700 structures destroyed and 67,000 evacuees.
The available reports said there were no reported deaths or injuries tied to the fires at the time of the arrest. Damage assessments were still underway, and the supplied records do not provide a final total.
What does Farinacci’s criminal record show?
Arizona court records show that Farinacci was initially charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault after a 2010 fatal shooting involving his father in Mesa, Arizona.
He did not plead guilty to first-degree murder. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to reduced charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to the records. He was released from prison in 2020.
That history explains why reports describe Farinacci as having previously faced a first-degree murder charge. It does not establish that he was convicted of first-degree murder.
The available material also says court documents show Farinacci was contacted by law enforcement about two fires the previous year. He was not charged in either case. The documents and the identities of the fires were not provided in full, so the circumstances cannot be independently detailed here.
What happens next?
The Washington case will proceed through the Spokane County court system. Prosecutors must establish the elements of first-degree arson and prove Farinacci’s involvement beyond a reasonable doubt if the case goes to trial.
The available materials do not include the full Washington charging document, affidavit, arrest warrant, search warrant, docket or hearing transcript. They also do not show whether additional charges will be filed or whether authorities will connect anyone to the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires.
