Paul Child said he saw a stranger near railroad tracks outside his Washington home shortly before smoke rose from the area on Aug. 1, 2026. His account, along with observations from his grandson and the boy’s friend, helped authorities identify a man later named as Aaron Forrest Farinacci. Body-camera footage shows officers evacuating Child’s family and arranging an in-person field showup as the Old Trails Fire spread nearby.
Farinacci was arrested two days after the identification and faces a first-degree arson charge connected to the fire, along with four additional arson charges. Court documents allege that he planned the blaze, used a delayed ignition device and admitted setting multiple fires, though the allegations remain part of the criminal case.
| 1) | Witnesses notice suspicious behavior before the fire |
| 2) | Evacuation leads to an immediate field showup |
| 3) | Suspect is released and arrested two days later |
| 4) | Court documents outline the arson allegations |
| 5) | Fast-moving fire forces families to evacuate |
Witnesses notice suspicious behavior before the fire
Paul Child told investigators that he, his grandson and the boy’s friend passed a stranger twice near railroad tracks close to the apparent origin of the Old Trails Fire. During the second encounter, Child said the man was crouched or bent over in bushes before standing and appearing nervous when he noticed the group.
Child said there was no smoke when the three witnesses last saw the man. After they returned home, smoke appeared roughly 10 minutes later about a half-mile away. The timing prompted Child to contact authorities and provide a description of the person he had seen.
Evacuation leads to an immediate field showup
Body-camera footage from Airway Heights police shows smoke spreading near a rural property as officers spoke with Child’s family on Aug. 1. Authorities evacuated the family while firefighters and law enforcement responded to the rapidly developing wildfire.
An officer later told Child that police might have detained “your guy” and that the witnesses could be asked to participate in a field showup. Child said he, his grandson and the boy’s friend were taken about 1.5 miles from their home, where a man was removed from a Spokane County deputy’s vehicle. All three witnesses said they positively identified him as the person they had seen near the tracks.
While the witnesses waited, body-camera audio captured an officer saying the detained man had “a whole fanny pack full of matches.” The footage does not show the alleged matches or explain how they were recovered. Child said the witnesses were not told beforehand about the fanny pack or its reported contents, which also included cigarettes and what he believed was a lighter.
Suspect is released and arrested two days later
The Aug. 1 identification did not immediately result in criminal charges. Farinacci was released after the showup, and Child said he initially believed the man had remained in custody. Farinacci was arrested on Aug. 3 on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire.
Farinacci was initially held on $1 million bail. At a later court appearance, a judge increased the bail to $2 million. The field identification remains an early part of the investigation, while prosecutors pursue the allegations through the court process.
Court documents outline the arson allegations
Court documents allege that Farinacci monitored weather applications to find conditions favorable for fire growth and spent two weeks planning the Old Trails Fire. Investigators further allege that he constructed a delayed ignition device using paper, matches, cigarettes and rubber bands.
The documents say the device was modeled after one associated with serial arsonist John Leonard Orr. They also allege that Farinacci admitted setting 25 fires in the area since 2025 and deliberately started fires at the same time on some occasions to distract authorities and reduce the availability of emergency crews. The documents state that he initially denied involvement after his arrest but later confessed to planning and setting the Old Trails blaze. These claims have not been established at trial.
Fast-moving fire forces families to evacuate
As the Old Trails Fire advanced, Child’s family collected pets and belongings before leaving their home. Child said the flames came within about a quarter-mile of the property and that a change in wind could have pushed the fire toward the house within minutes.
He described the evacuation as chaotic, saying the family forgot medications, dog leashes and food. The Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires had collectively burned 10,002 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 920 structures by the Monday following the fires, according to Spokane fire officials. Child said he viewed his report as only one part of a broader emergency response, but believed removing the accused man from the area was important for public safety.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Three witnesses identified a man seen near the apparent fire origin. |
| 2 | The field showup occurred during the Aug. 1 wildfire response. |
| 3 | Farinacci was released after the showup and arrested Aug. 3. |
| 4 | Court filings allege planned ignition methods and additional fires. |
| 5 | The three Spokane-area fires burned 10,002 acres and affected more than 920 structures. |
Summary
A neighbor’s observations gave investigators a timely description of a man seen near the apparent origin of the Old Trails Fire. The resulting field identification helped authorities focus on Farinacci, who was arrested two days later and now faces multiple arson allegations. The case also illustrates the danger faced by residents as fast-moving wildfires threatened homes and forced evacuations across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who identified the accused arson suspect?
Paul Child, his grandson and the grandson’s friend identified Farinacci during a field showup, according to Child’s account.
When was Farinacci arrested?
He was arrested on Aug. 3, 2026, two days after the witnesses viewed him during the wildfire response.
What charges does he face?
Farinacci faces a first-degree arson charge connected to the Old Trails Fire and four additional arson charges. Court documents also contain unproven allegations about other fires.
