SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 5 (Our Washington Times) — Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, of Spokane, was arrested and booked on suspicion of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said. The allegation is pending in Spokane County court, and Farinacci is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the case in court.
The arrest came as three fires in the Spokane area — the Old Trails, Autumn Lane and Fairview fires — had destroyed at least 700 buildings or other structures and led to evacuation orders affecting roughly 64,000 to 67,000 people, according to officials. The figures varied as damage and evacuation zones changed.
What are authorities alleging?
The sheriff’s office said Major Crimes detectives and Washington State Department of Natural Resources fire investigators developed probable cause to arrest Farinacci. Sheriff John Nowels said investigators believed the Old Trails Fire was deliberately started with matches or a lighter.
Authorities said Farinacci had waterproof matches and a butane lighter when he was detained or arrested. A witness told investigators that a person had been seen near the location where the Old Trails Fire began, according to statements from the sheriff’s office.
An affidavit cited in the case says Farinacci denied setting the fire during questioning. The supplied records do not establish a motive, and officials have not publicly alleged that he was involved in the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires.
Farinacci was arrested without incident on Aug. 3 after investigators obtained arrest and search warrants, according to the sheriff’s office. His bond was set at $1 million, and he remained in custody after his initial court appearance, according to court and law-enforcement accounts.
What does first-degree arson mean?
First-degree arson is a serious criminal charge involving the alleged intentional setting of a fire under circumstances covered by state law. An arrest or charge is not a finding of guilt. Prosecutors must prove the accusation beyond a reasonable doubt, and Farinacci has the right to challenge the evidence in court.
The available material does not include the full Washington charging document, the case number, the assigned judge or a transcript of the hearing. It also does not identify a defense lawyer or provide a statement from Farinacci’s legal representatives.
What do records show about his earlier case?
Arizona court records show that Farinacci was initially charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault after a 2010 fatal shooting involving his father in Mesa, Arizona. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to reduced charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to those records.
He was released from prison in 2020. The earlier case did not result in a first-degree murder conviction. The available material does not include the Arizona case number, sentencing record or full terms of the plea agreement.
Court documents also show that Farinacci was contacted by law enforcement about two fires the previous year, according to an account of the records. He was not charged in either matter. The available documents do not identify the fires, the investigating agencies or the specific records.
What happens next?
The Spokane County arson case will proceed through the court system if prosecutors file and pursue the allegation. The court may address issues such as bail, evidence and future hearings before any trial. At trial, prosecutors would have to prove that Farinacci committed the charged offense.
Meanwhile, investigators and fire officials continue to assess the impact of the Spokane-area fires. The destruction and evacuation totals remain subject to change as officials inspect damaged areas and update emergency information.
