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Man charged with setting destructive Spokane wildfire due back in court
Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB • • nation
Key Points:
- Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, faces a first-degree arson charge for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire in Spokane County, one of Washington state's most destructive wildfires, which began on August 1.
- The fire, part of the larger Spokane Complex Fire, has destroyed over 800 structures and displaced thousands of residents.
- Farinacci was identified near the fire's origin by a witness and was found carrying cigarettes, a butane lighter, and waterproof matches; he was arrested two days after the fire started with bail set at $1 million.
- Authorities have questioned Farinacci about previous fires in 2025, and court records reveal a violent past, including a 2010 manslaughter conviction for killing his father.
- As of the latest hearing, Farinacci has not entered a plea, and his public defender has not commented on the case.
