(The Epoch Times)—The man arrested for allegedly starting a fire that has forced the evacuation of thousands of people in Washington state was questioned by law enforcement during two fire investigations in 2025, court documents show.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, of Spokane was contacted by the Spokane Police Department during an investigation into fires near the Spokane River that began on July 8, 2025, according to court records.
The Washington State Patrol made contact with Farinacci the following month while pursuing a suspect in a wildfire at Riverside State Park. They found him on a park bench, “seemingly out of breath from possibly running,” according to court documents.
They also took photographs of Farinacci, who was described as wearing a green shirt similar to the one he was seen wearing over the weekend when witnesses allegedly saw him starting a fire northwest of Spokane now known as the Old Trails Fire, a detective investigating the fire wrote in a filing.
Farinacci was detained the same day the Old Trails Fire started but released by police.
Investigators later assessed evidence and designated Farinacci as a suspect and arrested him on Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson.
That was based in part on a man who reported to police an individual later identified as Farinacci crouching by some trees and looking nervous. About 10 minutes later, the man saw that a fire had started at the same location. The man returned to the location and contacted law enforcement.
Investigators say Farinacci was seen within 10 meters of where the fire began, that the fire was consistent with being set by a match or a lighter, and that Farinacci was in possession of waterproof matches and a butane lighter when he was detained about a mile away from the fire.
Farinacci denied setting the fire, according to court records. A judge set bail at $1 million.
Farinacci appeared in court on Tuesday. A judge scheduled his arraignment for Aug. 6.
His criminal history includes being convicted of manslaughter in Arizona. That was after he fatally shot his father during an argument in 2010, police said.
Farinacci was released from probation in Arizona in early 2024. A probation officer said Farinacci maintained a stable residence with his girlfriend and her family in the previous year, but also noted he hadn’t completed a mental health evaluation or domestic violence treatment.
The Old Trails Fire and two other fires, whose origins are unclear, have damaged at least 700 structures, officials said on Aug. 4. The size of the fires is 10,280 acres. They are zero percent contained.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
