# Spokane area wildfire arson investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spokane-area-wildfire-arson-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-10T20:34:35.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Aaron Farinacci, a resident of Spokane, Washington, has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire. Farinacci has confessed to deliberately starting a series of wildfires, including the Old Trails Fire, claiming responsibility for more than two dozen fires in the Spokane area over the past year. He admitted to timing the arson to exploit high winds.

Investigators identified Farinacci following witness reports, including an observation by Paul Child of a man acting suspiciously near railroad tracks shortly before smoke was detected. Bodycam footage shows authorities detaining a man matching the description with a fanny pack allegedly containing matches, cigarettes, and a lighter.

The resulting blazes have caused significant destruction, with the Old Trails Fire alone destroying nearly 700 homes and burning over 3,000 acres. Combined regional fires have impacted more than 900 structures and burned over 10,000 acres. While the fires forced approximately 70,000 people to evacuate and caused widespread smoke issues across Washington, Portland, and Idaho, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported.

Farinacci’s criminal history includes serving 10 years in Arizona for the 2010 killing of his father and the aggravated assault of his mother. Legal experts have noted that his previous plea deal, which reduced a first-degree murder charge to manslaughter, was unusual.

## Claims

- The Old Trails Fire destroyed nearly 700 homes and burned more than 3,000 acres. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Combined fires in the Spokane area have burned over 10,000 acres and 900 structures. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Aaron Farinacci was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The detained man allegedly possessed a fanny pack containing matches, cigarettes, and a lighter. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Farinacci confessed to starting more than two dozen fires in the Spokane area over the past year. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In 2010, Farinacci killed his father and held his mother at gunpoint. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Farinacci served 10 years in prison for manslaughter and aggravated assault before being released in 2020. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A witness observed a man acting suspiciously near railroad tracks shortly before smoke was seen. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Aaron Farinacci arrested for suspected arson in Spokane area wildfires

Aaron Farinacci faces first-degree arson charges for the Old Trails Fire in Washington, which destroyed nearly 700 homes. He has a prior conviction for manslaughter in Arizona.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spokane-area-old-trails-fire-destroys-700-homes

### 2026-08-07: Spokane Arson Suspect Aaron Farinacci Confesses to Setting Dozens of Fires

Aaron Farinacci confessed to setting multiple Spokane wildfires on a high‑wind day, causing 700+ building losses, 70,000 evacuations and widespread smoke across the Pacific Northwest.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spokane-arson-suspect-aaron-farinacci-confesses-to-setting-dozens-of-fires

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Cite as: Spokane area wildfire arson investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spokane-area-wildfire-arson-investigation