Suspected Old Trails arsonist Aaron Farinacci contacted over Spokane fires last year, court docs say

Key Points:

• Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson for allegedly starting the Old Trails fire in Spokane, which destroyed hundreds of homes and forced 60,000 evacuations; he was previously contacted by law enforcement last summer related to two fires but never charged.
• Witnesses and investigators identified Farinacci wearing the same distinctive green shirt at both the August 2025 fire and the recent Old Trails fire, and he was found near the fire origin carrying matches and lighters consistent with the fire's cause.
• Farinacci has a criminal history including a 2010 manslaughter conviction for killing his stepfather and has documented mental health issues; he was released from prison in 2020.
• Law enforcement initially released Farinacci without charges on the day of the fire due to prioritizing evacuations but later developed probable cause to arrest him; his bond was set at $1 million and maintained by the court.
• Community members who witnessed Farinacci near the fire praised their vigilance, and Spokane officials emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in the quick apprehension; Farinacci is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday.