A Washington grandfather told investigators that a stranger was lingering near railroad tracks shortly before smoke rose and the Old Trails Fire began. The family reported the encounter, warned a nearby property owner and evacuated as the blaze spread across dry grasslands. Authorities later arrested Aaron F. Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson after investigators determined the fire began in the area described by the witness.
The fire was the largest of three wildfires that damaged hundreds of buildings and forced about 67,000 people to evacuate in the Spokane area. Investigators said the case was built through witness accounts, physical evidence and the elimination of accidental ignition sources.
| 1) | Eyewitness spots unusual activity |
| 2) | Family reports smoke and evacuates |
| 3) | Suspect identified and charged |
| 4) | Investigators reconstruct the fire |
| 5) | Evidence remains part of a broader case |
Eyewitness spots unusual activity
Paul Child said he was driving his grandson to pick up a friend on Saturday when he noticed a bald man near railroad tracks along West Euclid Road in eastern Washington. The road is a closed dead-end stretch with only two homes beyond a barricade, making unfamiliar people easy for residents to notice.
Child said the man was initially standing and looking toward the tree line. About 10 minutes later, Child passed the same location and saw the man bent over in brush, grass and trees. The witness said the man appeared nervous when he saw the vehicle, and Child’s grandson also questioned what the stranger was doing there.
“This time he was kind of bent over and looked like he was doing something in the brush or the bushes and the grass and the trees.”
Family reports smoke and evacuates
After returning home, Child’s daughter, Ana Dillon, looked toward the railroad tracks and saw a large cloud of white smoke followed by black smoke. The family connected the smoke to the man’s earlier presence and called 911.
Child also tried to reach the only other homeowner on the isolated stretch. Although the neighbor was away, Child warned him by telephone that the wildfire was moving toward the property, where workers were inside a shop. As firefighters arrived and flames moved through dry grasslands, the family packed belongings and evacuated with five dogs and two cats.
Suspect identified and charged
The family later flagged down an Airway Heights police officer and described the man as a bald white male wearing a green T-shirt and backpack. Child also identified the location where he had seen the person before smoke appeared. Spokane County deputies detained a man matching that description.
Child, his grandson and the grandson’s friend then viewed the detained man from inside a pickup truck. Child said they recognized his build and clothing. Authorities later arrested Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, on suspicion of first-degree arson, alleging that he intentionally set the Old Trails Fire.
According to court records, Farinacci was initially released before investigators developed additional evidence and arrested him. The records also show that he previously faced a first-degree murder charge in Arizona after fatally shooting his father during a 2010 argument. He later pleaded guilty to reduced manslaughter and aggravated assault charges, served about eight years and was released in 2020.
Investigators reconstruct the fire
Scott Sweetow, a retired federal explosives and fire investigation executive, said eyewitness information is an important starting point but cannot by itself establish arson. Investigators must first identify the point of origin, examine burn patterns and study how vegetation and terrain were affected.
Investigators also consider possible accidental causes, including lightning, electrical infrastructure, trains and discarded smoking materials. In this case, court records state that the fire originated where Child reported seeing the man. Investigators ruled out trains and nearby electrical equipment before concluding that dry grass had likely been ignited by an open flame from a match or lighter.
“Arson fire in general is very hard to investigate. It requires a very meticulous focused effort.”
Evidence remains part of a broader case
Authorities reportedly found waterproof matches and a butane lighter when deputies first contacted Farinacci. Sweetow cautioned that such items should be assessed alongside witness statements, cellphone or other electronic records, first-responder observations and physical evidence from the fire scene.
He said specialized waterproof matches can remain lit in conditions that extinguish ordinary matches, but investigators would typically look for related remnants near the origin point. He also said releasing a person before making an arrest can occur while deputies manage evacuations and investigators complete the evidence review.
For Child and Dillon, the investigation has remained closely tied to the destruction suffered by residents. Child said he hopes whoever caused the damage is held accountable, while the family remains concerned after learning more about the suspect’s history.
| 1 | A family saw a suspicious man near railroad tracks shortly before the Old Trails Fire began. |
| 2 | The family called 911, warned a nearby property owner and evacuated with pets. |
| 3 | Deputies detained a man matching the description, and Aaron F. Farinacci was later arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson. |
| 4 | Investigators determined the fire began near the reported location and ruled out several accidental causes. |
| 5 | The arson case depends on the combined weight of eyewitness, forensic and physical evidence. |
Summary
The family’s timely observations helped direct investigators to a suspect after the Old Trails Fire erupted near a closed road in eastern Washington. However, authorities must continue to support the arson allegation with fire-scene analysis, witness testimony and other corroborating evidence. The case illustrates how an eyewitness report can provide an investigative lead while a wildfire investigation determines whether the evidence supports criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the eyewitness report?
Paul Child reported seeing a bald man near railroad tracks and later bent over in vegetation along a closed road shortly before smoke appeared.
Who was arrested in connection with the fire?
Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire. The allegation remains subject to court proceedings.
How did investigators assess the fire’s origin?
Investigators examined the reported origin area, burn patterns and possible ignition sources. They ruled out trains and nearby electrical infrastructure before determining that dry grass was consistent with ignition by an open flame.
