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Aaron Farinacci charged with arson for Spokane's Old Trails Fire

Updated 3 months ago4 new reports, including The Straits Times, Fox News, NBC News and 1 more.

·1 min read·6 outlets

The short version

Aaron Farinacci has been charged with arson for the Old Trails Fire that devastated Spokane, Washington. The blaze destroyed homes, forced thousands to flee, and led to a $2 million bail increase.

Aaron Farinacci, 37, of Spokane, was charged with arson for the Old Trails Fire.5,1 He allegedly confessed to planning the fire for weeks and creating a device to ignite it.2,3 He described monitoring weather apps to identify optimal ignition conditions.5

Prosecutors added four additional arson charges to the case.5 A judge doubled his bail to $2 million.5 Farinacci appeared remotely in court and did not enter a plea.4

Authorities allege he set multiple other fires, though reports differ on the exact number.5,4 The Old Trails Fire destroyed homes and forced thousands to flee.1 Police reported that the fire destroyed hundreds of buildings.3

Investigators linked him to fire incidents from previous years.1 He was previously questioned in connection with two fire investigations last year.1 The suspect admitted to being fascinated by fire.6

Where outlets disagree

  • Fox News reported that Farinacci admitted to setting 25 fires since 2025, while NBC News reported he is charged with four other fires since July of the previous year.5,4

Why it matters

  • The Old Trails Fire is a wildfire in Spokane County, Washington that destroyed homes and forced thousands to flee.1

  • Spokane County is located in eastern Washington and the fire is described as the most destructive in Spokane's history.4

This account was written from the 6 reports listed below, filed by 6 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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