Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire near Spokane, Washington. The blaze was the largest of three wildfires that have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced about 67,000 people to evacuate. Court records show Farinacci was previously charged with first-degree murder in Arizona before pleading guilty to reduced manslaughter and aggravated assault charges. Authorities have not alleged that he is connected to the other two fires, which remain under investigation.
| 1) | Arrest follows investigation into the Old Trails Fire |
| 2) | Wildfires devastate eastern Washington communities |
| 3) | Records detail defendant’s earlier Arizona conviction |
| 4) | Witnesses and investigators helped identify the suspect |
| 5) | Sheriff leaves open the possibility of additional charges |
Arrest follows investigation into the Old Trails Fire
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes detectives and Washington State Department of Natural Resources fire investigators identified Aaron F. Farinacci after developing probable cause in the Old Trails Fire investigation. Investigators obtained arrest and search warrants and took him into custody Monday at his Spokane residence without incident. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson.
The arrest followed an initial contact during the rapidly expanding fire response. Deputies detained and questioned Farinacci, then released him while emergency personnel concentrated on evacuating residents threatened by the blaze. Detectives later reviewed witness statements, body camera footage and evidence collected with fire investigators before moving forward with the arrest.
Wildfires devastate eastern Washington communities
The Old Trails Fire is one of three wildfires burning in and around Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city. Together, the fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced approximately 67,000 people to leave their homes. Images from affected neighborhoods showed widespread destruction, with some residential areas reduced to chimneys and other remnants.
Officials have not linked Farinacci to the other two fires. Those blazes remain under investigation as firefighters and emergency agencies work to protect residents and manage the continuing wildfire threat. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee also addressed the broader conditions during the response, saying climate change was affecting local communities.
“Climate change isn’t some existential global thing. It’s our neighbors. It’s our friends.”
Records detail defendant’s earlier Arizona conviction
Court records show that Farinacci was initially charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault in connection with a 2010 homicide in Mesa, Arizona. He was 21 at the time. The case involved the fatal shooting of his father during an argument over washing dishes, and Farinacci also shot himself but survived.
In 2012, Farinacci pleaded guilty to reduced charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault. A Maricopa County judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison. Arizona Department of Corrections records show that he was released on December 23, 2020. His current Washington case comes less than six years after that release, but the prior conviction does not by itself establish guilt in the wildfire investigation.
Witnesses and investigators helped identify the suspect
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said witnesses saw a man acting suspiciously near the location where the Old Trails Fire began. After returning home and seeing smoke rising from the same area, the witnesses flagged down an Airway Heights police officer. They provided a physical description of the man and information about his clothing.
Investigators said Farinacci was carrying waterproof matches and a butane lighter when deputies first contacted him. Fire investigators later determined that the blaze was consistent with dry grass being ignited by a match or lighter. Authorities used that information, along with witness accounts and recorded body camera footage, to establish probable cause.
Sheriff leaves open the possibility of additional charges
Nowels said the first-degree arson charge reflects the evidence available at this stage of the investigation. He cautioned that additional charges could be considered as investigators determine the full extent of the fire’s destruction and continue evaluating the evidence.
The sheriff credited residents who noticed unusual activity and shared information with law enforcement. He said public awareness and cooperation contributed to Farinacci’s relatively quick apprehension. The case remains pending, and the arson allegation has not been resolved in court.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Farinacci faces suspicion of first-degree arson in the Old Trails Fire. |
| 2 | At least 700 buildings have been destroyed and about 67,000 people evacuated. |
| 3 | He previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault in Arizona. |
| 4 | Witness accounts, body camera footage and fire evidence supported the arrest. |
Summary
The arrest places Farinacci at the center of the investigation into the Old Trails Fire, while authorities continue assessing the damage and determining whether further charges are warranted. His earlier Arizona conviction is part of his public court history, but the Washington arson allegation will be decided through the legal process. Investigators are also continuing to examine the two other Spokane-area fires, which have not been linked to him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charge does Aaron F. Farinacci face?
He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire near Spokane.
How extensive was the wildfire damage?
The three fires destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced about 67,000 people to evacuate, according to the reported figures.
Was Farinacci connected to the other Spokane-area fires?
Authorities have not alleged a connection between Farinacci and the other two fires, which remain under investigation.
What was Farinacci’s earlier criminal case?
He was initially charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault after a 2010 Arizona homicide, then pleaded guilty in 2012 to reduced manslaughter and aggravated assault charges.
