Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson, confessed to detectives that he planned the devastating Old Trails fire two weeks in advance, according to court records filed in Spokane County. Law enforcement arrested Farinacci on Monday evening after witnesses spotted him acting suspiciously near the origin point of the fire, which began northeast of Airway Heights around noon on Saturday.
Did You Know? Farinacci researched well-known arsonist John Leanord Orr and purchased items like matches, cigarettes, and rubber bands to create a timed ignition device, according to court records.
Court Proceedings and Bond Increase
During his second court appearance Thursday afternoon at the Spokane County Superior Court, Judge Jeremy Schmidt increased Farinacci’s bond to $2 million. Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam requested the higher bond given the gravity of the charges. Judge Schmidt also added four additional counts of first-degree arson and signed off on a competency evaluation.
Farinacci appeared via video from the Spokane County Jail wearing light green jail clothing and a buzz cut. He sat next to his attorney, Colin Charbonneau, who is the director of the Spokane County Public Defender’s Office. Charbonneau reserved arguments on probable cause and bond conditions, but requested the competency evaluation. A stay hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4 before Superior Court Judge Andrew Van Winkle.
Confessions and Prior Arson Investigations
Following his arrest, Farinacci confessed to investigators that he started a total of 25 fires near his apartment complex north of the West Central Neighborhood near the Spokane River, though detectives have corroborated four of them. Among the corroborated incidents was the Aubrey White fire, which burned 41 acres on July 6, 2025. Spokane County sheriff’s Detective Mike Drapeau wrote in court records that Farinacci believes fire is powerful and beautiful, and that things experiencing fire undergo a kind of rebirth.
Court records indicate Farinacci previously served eight years in prison for a manslaughter conviction in Arizona for killing his father. He was released in 2020 and completed the final two years of his probation in Washington, according to the state’s correctional facility.
Witness Reports and Law Enforcement Contacts
Paul Child, 64, told The Spokesman-Review he spotted a man matching Farinacci’s description standing near the BNSF Railway train track wearing a green shirt and a backpack. Child later saw Farinacci bent over a grassy, brushy area about 10 minutes later and flagged down a police officer. Witnesses and investigators tracked Farinacci as he walked down Euclid Road, Trails Road, and Government Way.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Kevin Mosher first contacted Farinacci while he was walking more than a mile from the initial sighting. Deputies found a pack of cigarettes, a butane lighter, and a box of Gofire waterproof matches in his fanny pack. Because deputies prioritized evacuation efforts, they released him temporarily. Shortly afterward, Marc Titus, a fire investigator with the Washington state Department of Natural Resources, stopped Farinacci again after observing him walking away from the fire area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Old Trails fire begin?
The fire began around noon on Saturday northeast of Airway Heights.
What charges does Aaron Farinacci face?
Farinacci faces multiple counts of first-degree arson, including four additional counts added during his Thursday court appearance.
What is the status of Farinacci’s legal proceedings?
Farinacci is being held on a $2 million bond with a competency evaluation ordered, and a stay hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4.
Worth a look