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Man accused of starting Spokane County’s Old Trails Fire expected to enter plea
KOMO • • general
Key Points:
- Aaron Farinacci, 37, accused of intentionally starting the Old Trails Fire in Spokane County, is set to enter a plea on a first-degree arson charge during his arraignment Thursday.
- Farinacci was arrested after witnesses spotted suspicious behavior near the fire’s origin, and video evidence showed the fire's possible starting point; he was found kneeling in the grass at the scene.
- The Old Trails Fire is one of three major wildfires still burning in northwest Spokane County, collectively burning over 10,000 acres and destroying about 850 homes and buildings.
- Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels credited vigilant citizens for Farinacci’s quick apprehension, and a judge has set his bond at $1 million.
- Authorities confirmed Farinacci has a prior manslaughter conviction from Arizona and stated there is no evidence linking him to the other two wildfires in the area.
