A 37-year-old man was arrested Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection to the Old Trails fire, a blaze that destroyed a swath of northwest Spokane including hundreds of homes. Aaron F. Farinacci was taken into custody around 5 p.m. Monday, four miles from the site where the fire began.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels announced Monday night that witnesses reported Farinacci acting suspiciously and kneeling in the grass near the ignition site of the Old Trails fire on Saturday. Law enforcement had previously contacted Farinacci more than a mile from the ignition point but released him at that time so first responders could prioritize the fire.
Investigators determined that evidence at the ignition point was consistent with being started by a match or lighter. Farinacci was later found in possession of a butane lighter and waterproof matches. While Farinacci has no prior arson convictions, the sheriff noted he has been contacted before for arson-related behavior.
Farinacci is described as a Spokane resident, though he was previously convicted of manslaughter in Mesa, Arizona. According to the Phoenix News Times, the victim in that case was his father.
The Old Trails fire, which was reported around noon Saturday near West Euclid Road and North Old Trails Road, has been ruled out as a natural occurrence by the Washington state Department of Natural Resources. Ryan Rodruck, a spokesperson for the department, stated that the agency is the lead investigator and is working with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and fire district partners.
The Old Trails fire is one of three fires in Spokane County that have collectively burned over 10,000 acres. The causes of the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires remain under investigation.
The fire caused significant destruction, with residents in the Indian Bluff area observed packing cars and pets as flames approached. By Monday morning, homes in that area were burned to the ground. Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam credited vigilant citizens for providing information that helped law enforcement during the investigation.
