$2M bail set after arson suspect admits to planning Old Trails Fire, setting 25 other fires since July 2025
Aug 6, 2026, 2:40 PM | Updated: 5:49 pm
Aaron Farinacci. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The man arrested for arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire in Spokane told detectives he planned to start the fire.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, admitted he planned the fire for two weeks, researching wind and humidity conditions to maximize damage, according to court documents.
Farinacci also reportedly confessed to setting at least 25 other fires since July 2025.
Of the 25 fires, detectives have been able to corroborate four, including the Aubrey White Fire, which burned more than 1,200 acres. Farinacci was even contacted by law enforcement near the fire zone, but was not arrested.
Detectives said Farinacci initially denied involvement before he eventually gave a detailed account of planning and carrying out the fires.
Judge grants $2 million bail, competency evaluation requested
Farinacci was charged with first-degree arson and now faces four additional counts of first-degree arson.
In court Thursday, the judge granted prosecutors’ request that Farinacci be held on $2 million bail. He was previously being held on $1 million bail.
The defense requested a competency evaluation to determine if Farinacci has the mental capacity to stand trial. The judge subsequently ordered the defense to provide documentation showing the evaluation is needed.
If the judge ultimately orders the evaluation, it could be some time before it is completed, and the arraignment would be delayed. If the judge does not order the evaluation, Farinacci’s arraignment could come as soon as next Friday.
There is no court date scheduled at this time.
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Farinacci has previous conviction for killing his dad
Farinacci has a previous conviction in Arizona for killing his adoptive dad, according to KXLY.
In 2010, when Farinacci was 22 years old, he was studying for a test and reportedly got upset that his mom was making too much noise. His dad started fighting with him about his lack of respect for his mom and told him to wash the dishes, according to KXLY. Farinacci got upset and shot his dad in the face.
Old Trails Fire burns hundreds of homes
Farinacci was arrested Monday in connection with the Spokane fire, according to KIRO 7. Court documents revealed Farinacci had a fanny pack full of waterproof matches, a butane lighter, and cigarettes.
The Old Trails Fire – one of three in the Spokane area – has burned hundreds of homes and thousands of acres.
It started at approximately 12 p.m. on Saturday north of the city of Airway Heights.
Contributing: Aaron Granillo and Jillian Raftery, KIRO Newsradio; Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest
Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest
