What we know about the man arrested on suspicion of arson in 1 of the Spokane-area wildfires
Spokane Resident Faces Arson Charges After Family's Lucky Encounter Helps Solve Wildfire Mystery
Activelifezero.com – A routine Saturday drive through the rural outskirts of Spokane, Washington, has become the key to solving one of the region's most devastating wildfire outbreaks. Paul Child, who was traveling with his grandson to visit a neighbor, noticed something unusual on the roadside that would ultimately help authorities identify the suspected arsonist behind the Old Trails Fire.
Child recalls seeing a man pacing back and forth along the road. While the sight was curious enough to merit a glance, he didn't dwell on it at the time. Fifteen minutes later, after collecting his grandson's friend, the trio began their return journey. This time, the same man occupied the identical spot—but his behavior had shifted noticeably. He was hunched over near the vegetation, appearing visibly agitated.
It wasn't until Child arrived home and received a call from his daughter about a nearby fire that the connection clicked. Running outside, he witnessed smoke rising from the exact location where he had observed the mysterious man. The coincidence was striking enough to warrant further investigation.
Three Fires Devastate the Spokane Region
Since that Saturday encounter, the situation has escalated dramatically. More than 10,000 acres have burned across the Spokane area, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Hundreds of properties have been destroyed as three separate wildfires continue to rage through eastern Washington.
Child's detailed description of the man he spotted proved instrumental in law enforcement's investigation. Officials identified Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident, as the primary suspect responsible for igniting the Old Trails Fire—the first of the three blazes to be detected in the region.
The origin of the Old Trails Fire was "indeed exactly where the witness had seen Mr. Farinacci kneeling in the grass," said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels.
Arrest and Charges Against Farinacci
Farinacci was taken into custody on Tuesday and formally charged with first-degree arson. He appeared before Spokane County Superior Court through a video connection from jail, where firefighters continue their efforts to contain the three active wildfires. A judge set his bond at $1 million, with an arraignment scheduled for Thursday. CNN has been unable to reach Farinacci's legal representation for comment.
The affidavit supporting the arrest indicates that a fire investigator determined the cause of the Old Trails Fire was consistent with an open flame applied to vegetation—precisely what would be expected from a lighter or match. During his initial detention, Farinacci was discovered carrying waterproof matches and a butane lighter.
Farinacci denied starting the fire and denied being in the area of the fire, and said he was walking on a route that he frequents almost daily, the affidavit filed in court says.
Investigation Timeline and Evidence
The investigation moved quickly after Child's family reported the smoke. His daughter immediately called 911, while Child went door-to-door alerting neighbors. He also flagged down a fire department vehicle and a police officer traveling along the road, providing them with a description of the man he had observed.
Within thirty minutes, Child received confirmation that law enforcement had detained an individual matching the description. Child, his grandson, and the grandson's friend accompanied authorities to verify that the detained person was indeed the same man they had seen earlier.
According to Sheriff Nowels, law enforcement had initially located Farinacci in the area and questioned him, but released him pending further investigation. Deputies noted at that time that they lacked complete information about the fire's point of origin. Investigators later utilized body-worn camera footage from their encounters with Farinacci to strengthen their case and secure an arrest warrant on Monday. Farinacci was apprehended without incident, and detectives obtained a search warrant for his residence.
Broader Implications for the Community
The revelation that one of the wildfires may have been deliberately set has compounded the grief of affected residents. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed the community's sentiment during a CNN interview on Monday evening.
"It takes a tragic situation and just makes it more heartbreaking," Ferguson told CNN. "… To think that much of this damage could have been caused by an individual doing this on purpose."
Fortunately, Child's own property escaped the flames, and he and his family have since returned to their home. The incident has also brought renewed attention to Farinacci's history with local law enforcement. A probable cause affidavit reveals that last summer, authorities contacted Farinacci regarding two additional fires, including what was described as a suspicious blaze that originated near his residence.
Farinacci's criminal record includes a guilty plea to manslaughter and aggravated assault of his father. He remained incarcerated until his release in 2020. As the investigation continues, residents in the Spokane area are left to process not only the physical destruction caused by the wildfires but also the unsettling possibility that human action, rather than natural causes, contributed to the devastation.
The three wildfires remain uncontained as of Tuesday, with emergency crews working around the clock to prevent further spread. The combination of dry conditions, high winds, and the potential human element has made this one of the most challenging fire seasons in recent memory for eastern Washington residents.
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