Aaron Farinacci, 37, of Spokane, who is accused of starting the Old Trails fire in Washington state, was previously questioned in connection with two fire investigations last year, according to court documents. Authorities allege Farinacci started the Old Trails fire, one of three major wildfires burning in Spokane county.
Farinacci was arrested on Monday and booked on suspicion of first-degree arson. He has denied setting the Old Trails fire. The Spokane county sheriff, John Nowels, stated that Farinacci was first questioned after witnesses reportedly saw him kneeling in the brush near the fire's origin.
Police arrested Farinacci after investigators ruled out other possible causes for the fire and learned of his previous questioning in connection with other blazes. He was reportedly found with waterproof matches, cigarettes, and a butane lighter in his possession.
Court documents indicate that in July 2025, several fires occurred near the Spokane River and Farinacci's apartment. The following month, law enforcement encountered Farinacci at a state park while searching for a wildfire suspect. He was questioned in both investigations but was not charged.
Farinacci is currently being held on $1m bail. He previously served approximately a decade in prison for manslaughter and aggravated assault in connection with the 2010 killing of his father.