August 2026: TRUMP PRESIDENCY Man in custody for allegedly starting Spokane Fire

Man in custody for allegedly starting Old Trails Fire

"Aaron F. Farinacci faces charges of 1st Degree Arson for allegedly starting the Old Trails Fire, according to Spokane County officials, with a $1 million bond.

Officials at the press conference say the investigation into Farinacci's arrest began on Aug. 1, near the intersection of N. Old Trails Road and W. Euclid Road, just north of the City of Airway Heights, after

concerned citizens notified authorities that they noticed a man who was bending down in the grass in the area around 12 p.m. Witnesses told officials that Farinacci looked nervous, and later on saw smoke coming from the area where he was standing. Officials say the witness gave Airway Heights police a description of what Farinacci looked like.
Officials say that during evacuations, police were trying to find Farinacci and located him four miles from where the fire started. Police say they let Farinacci go due to a lack of evidence.
During the press conference, officials say that DNR, Crime Check and detectives developed probable cause to arrest him for arson.

Officials say they found Farinacci in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter. He was arrested at his residence in the 2800 block of W. Elliot Drive without incident.
Fire officials say the Old Trails Fire was started by a set of matches or a lighter.
Prior court records show that Farinacci is a convicted felon in Arizona for manslaughter and premeditated murder. He has no previous history of arson. Farinacci was also a resident in Spokane." KREM2