Arson suspect arrested for setting the largest of three wildfires burning in Washington

Police were led to the suspect by a tip from someone who saw a man bent by the side of the road near some grass and appearing to be nervous.

Published: August 4, 2026 7:27am

Updated: August 4, 2026 1:59pm

A Spokane, Washington, man was arrested and charged with setting the largest of three wildfires that crews have been battling in the region this week. 

Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested Monday and charged with suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the Associated Press reported

In 2010, Farinacci shot and killed his father after an argument about washing dishes, police said. Farinacci also shot himself but survived, the Associated Press reported at the time. He was charged with murder but pleaded guilty in 2012 to manslaughter and aggravated assault, court records show. He was released from prison in 2020. 

Police were led to Farinacci by a tip from someone who saw a man bent by the side of the road near some grass and appearing to be nervous. Farinacci was questioned and released, Sheriff John Nowles said Monday. 

Farinacci was again identified when major crimes detectives began investigating reports and footage from body cameras, which indicated the fire started near where the witness had seen a man by the side of the road. Farinacci had matches and a butane lighter when he was arrested, Nowles said. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. 

The three fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings, and 67,000 people were forced to evacuate around Spokane. The cause of the other two fires is still under investigation. The three fires remain uncontained as of Tuesday morning. 

 

 

 

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