Spokane Fires: Investigators Arrest Old Trails Fire Arson Suspect

By BRIAN HENDERSON · August 3, 2026 · PNW Daily

SPOKANE, Wash. — Investigators arrested a 37-year-old convicted felon Monday on suspicion of starting the Old Trails Fire, one of several destructive wildfires that erupted across Spokane County on Aug. 1.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes detectives and Washington State Department of Natural Resources fire investigators identified Aaron F. Farinacci as a suspect. Authorities said their investigation established probable cause to arrest him on suspicion of first-degree arson.

“Tips from citizens, along with information from Airway Heights Police officers and Spokane County sheriff’s deputies who responded to the initial call and conducted evacuations, proved to be extremely valuable to fire investigators, leading to today’s arrest,” the sheriff’s office said.

A Spokane Valley Fire Department engine operates as flames burn through timber along a Spokane-area roadway during the Spokane Complex fires. Photo courtesy of Spokane Valley Fire Department — A Spokane Valley Fire Department engine operates as flames burn through timber along a Spokane-area roadway during the Spokane Complex fires. (Photo: Spokane Valley Fire Department)

“Tips from Citizens, along with information from Airway Heights Police Officers and Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies who responded to the initial call and conducted evacuations, proved to be extremely valuable to Fire Investigators, leading to today’s arrest.”

Spokane county sheriff’s office

Suspect Arrested At Airway Heights-Area Home

Detectives worked with the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to obtain an arrest warrant for Farinacci and a search warrant for his home.

Investigators and members of the Spokane County Warrant Service Group served the warrants Monday at a residence in the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive. Authorities arrested Farinacci without incident.

Deputies booked him into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson.

The sheriff’s office described Farinacci as a convicted felon. However, officials did not disclose what evidence allegedly connected him to the fire or provide a possible motive.

The investigation remains active.

Old Trails Fire Started Near Airway Heights

The Old Trails Fire was first reported shortly before noon Friday, Aug. 1, near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road, north of Airway Heights.

Initial reports placed the fire at approximately 100 acres and growing as it burned through grass and brush. The flames threatened homes and Riverside State Park, prompting Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized state firefighting mobilization at 1:30 p.m. following a request from Spokane County Fire Chief Don Malone. Five strike teams were initially ordered to assist local crews.

The fire became part of the Spokane Complex alongside the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires. Together, the fires burned thousands of acres, damaged or destroyed hundreds of structures and forced widespread evacuations across Spokane County.

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said during the emergency that “hundreds of homes and structures have been lost.”

“We are here for you for the long term,” Brown told residents affected by the disaster.

Other Spokane Fire Investigations Continue

Authorities have not connected Farinacci to the Autumn Lane or Fairview fires.

The Autumn Lane Fire began near Nine Mile Falls and Suncrest at approximately 3:22 p.m. Aug. 1. The Fairview Fire started near Mead at approximately 2:07 p.m. that day.

Investigators continue working to determine the causes and origins of both fires.

Federal officials approved Fire Management Assistance Grants for the Autumn Lane and Fairview fires. The federal declarations help cover eligible firefighting expenses, but they do not establish how either fire started.

The sheriff’s office said no additional information about the Old Trails Fire investigation was immediately available.

Official Wildfire Response Fund Opens

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office announced an official Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund through Innovia Foundation.

The fund supports nonprofit organizations and community groups meeting immediate and long-term needs created by the fires. Innovia says 100% of each tax-deductible donation will go to vetted nonprofit organizations assisting affected people and families.

Checks may also be made payable to Innovia Foundation with “Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund” written in the memo line and mailed to:

Innovia Foundation
Attn: Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund
818 W. Riverside Ave., Suite 650
Spokane, WA 99201

Officials warned donors to use verified organizations as fraudulent fundraising efforts often appear after major disasters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was arrested in connection with the Old Trails Fire?

Investigators arrested 37-year-old Aaron F. Farinacci on suspicion of first-degree arson.

Where did investigators arrest Farinacci?

Authorities arrested him without incident while serving warrants at a residence in the 2800 block of West Elliott Drive.

When did the Old Trails Fire begin?

The fire was first reported shortly before noon Aug. 1 near North Old Trails Road and West Euclid Road, north of Airway Heights.

What led investigators to the suspect?

The sheriff’s office said citizen tips and information from Airway Heights police officers and Spokane County deputies proved extremely valuable. Officials have not publicly disclosed the specific evidence allegedly connecting Farinacci to the fire.