A 37-year-old man with a prior manslaughter conviction has been charged with first-degree arson after authorities accused him of starting the Old Trails Fire, the largest of several wildfires burning in the Spokane, Washington, area.
According to court documents and law enforcement officials, Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested after witnesses reported seeing him near the location where the fire began. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Farinacci is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Arson Charge
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said Farinacci was charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, which started on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.
Investigators said witnesses observed him kneeling in dry grass near the fire’s point of origin. Authorities also reported recovering waterproof matches and a butane lighter.
Sheriff John Nowels credited community members for quickly reporting suspicious activity, which led to Farinacci’s arrest.
Fire Damage
The Old Trails Fire became the highest firefighting priority in the United States because of its rapid growth and threat to nearby communities.
By early Tuesday, the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires had burned approximately 16 square miles, or more than 10,000 acres.
Authorities said the fires forced more than 67,000 people to evacuate.
Some evacuation orders were later lifted, allowing residents to return home, while others found their properties heavily damaged or destroyed.
Impact on Communities
Officials said the fires left neighborhoods with widespread destruction.
Residents reported finding burned homes, damaged vehicles and other property losses after returning to affected areas.
The fires spread unevenly, leaving some homes untouched while others were completely destroyed.
Fire Response
More than 1,000 firefighters from Washington and other states have been deployed to battle the fires.
Officials expect additional personnel to arrive as containment efforts continue.
Fire crews are using both ground and aerial resources to slow the spread of the fires.
Authorities also reminded the public not to fly drones near wildfire zones because they can interfere with firefighting aircraft.
Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service said smoke and poor air quality are expected to continue across the Spokane region.
Officials also warned that hotter temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds could increase fire activity during the week.
Experts have noted that prolonged drought and dry vegetation have contributed to severe wildfire conditions across Washington this summer.
Emergency Assistance
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency as firefighting operations expanded.
Members of Washington’s congressional delegation have requested an expedited federal emergency declaration to provide assistance for displaced residents and communities affected by the fires.
Emergency shelters remain open while authorities continue to monitor fire conditions.
Previous Conviction
Court records show Farinacci was previously convicted of manslaughter in Arizona in connection with the 2010 shooting death of his father.
That prior conviction is separate from the current arson case and is part of his publicly available criminal history.
If convicted on the current charge, Farinacci could face significant prison time under Washington law.
The investigation into the wildfire remains ongoing, and authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the fires.
FAQs
Who was charged in the wildfire case?
Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, was charged with arson.
Which fire is involved?
The Old Trails Fire near Spokane, Washington.
How many people evacuated?
More than 67,000 residents were ordered to evacuate.
What charge does Farinacci face?
He has been charged with first-degree arson.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. Authorities continue investigating the wildfire.
