How a grandfather’s quick thinking led fire investigators to a Spokane arson suspect
Grandfather’s Observations Help Pinpoint Spokane Arson Suspect Amid Devastating Wildfires
Goldlaner.com – A routine Saturday drive through the rural outskirts of Spokane, Washington, became the catalyst for identifying a suspect in one of the region’s most destructive wildfire events. Paul Child was traveling with his grandson toward a neighbor’s residence when an unremarkable encounter with a man on the roadside would later prove crucial to law enforcement’s investigation.
Child noticed the individual pacing along the shoulder, glancing toward their vehicle as they passed. The moment seemed ordinary enough to dismiss without further consideration. However, approximately fifteen minutes after collecting his grandson’s friend, the trio began their return journey to Child’s residence. This time, the same man occupied the identical position, but his behavior had shifted noticeably—he was crouched near vegetation, displaying visible nervousness.
Only several minutes after arriving home did Child connect the dots. His daughter phoned to report a fire, and when Child stepped outside, he observed smoke rising from precisely the location where he had witnessed the man earlier that day.
From Observation to Arrest
Child’s detailed account proved instrumental in directing investigators toward Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident. Farinacci was identified as the primary suspect in the Old Trails Fire, which emerged as the first of three separate blazes consuming the Spokane region. The fires have collectively scorched more than 10,000 acres, forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents, and reduced hundreds of homes to ashes since igniting on Saturday.
Farinacci was taken into custody on Tuesday and formally charged with first-degree arson. He appeared before Spokane County Superior Court through a video connection from jail, while emergency crews continued their efforts to contain the three active fires. A judge set his bond at $1 million, with an arraignment hearing scheduled for Thursday. Attempts to reach his legal representation have so far been unsuccessful.
“The origin of the Old Trails Fire was indeed exactly where the witness had seen Mr. Farinacci kneeling in the grass,” Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated.
Fire investigators concluded that the blaze’s cause aligned with an open flame applied to vegetation—consistent with the use of a lighter or match. The affidavit supporting the charges noted that investigators utilized body-worn camera footage from their encounters with Farinacci to construct their case and secure an arrest warrant on Monday.
A History Worth Examining
Farinacci’s background includes a prior guilty plea for manslaughter and aggravated assault against his father. He remained incarcerated until 2020. During his initial detention following the Old Trails Fire, authorities discovered waterproof matches and a butane lighter in his possession. Sheriff Nowels explained that while Farinacci was questioned and released during the initial response, deputies lacked complete information about the fire’s origin at that time.
“Farinacci denied starting the fire and denied being in the area of the fire,” and said he was walking on a route that he frequents almost daily, the affidavit filed in court says.
Farinacci was arrested Monday without incident, and detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant for his residence. The sheriff noted that the possibility of intentional fire-setting compounded the emotional toll on victims already suffering through the disaster.
“It takes a tragic situation and just makes it more heartbreaking,” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson told CNN on Monday night. “…To think that much of this damage could have been caused by an individual doing this on purpose.”
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
Upon detecting smoke, Child’s daughter immediately contacted emergency services while he moved through the neighborhood to alert residents. He also flagged down an approaching fire department vehicle and police officer, providing them with a description of the man he had observed. Within thirty minutes, the responding officer informed Child that law enforcement had detained an individual matching the description while Child was evacuating with his family.
Child, his grandson, and the grandson’s friend accompanied authorities to confirm the suspect’s identity. The man they had seen earlier that day was indeed the person in custody.
Child’s property escaped damage from the fires, and he and his family have since returned to their home. The incident marks another instance in which Farinacci faced law enforcement scrutiny related to wildfires. According to the probable cause affidavit, last summer authorities contacted him regarding two additional fires, including one described as suspicious that originated near his residence. He was neither arrested nor charged in connection with those incidents.
Farinacci also has a violent [criminal history that continues to be examined as investigators piece together the full scope of his activities during the current wildfire season].
The rapid identification of Farinacci demonstrates how community vigilance, combined with thorough investigative work, can lead to swift justice. As firefighters continue battling the three uncontained blazes, residents are reminded of the importance of staying alert and reporting unusual activity, particularly during dry conditions when fire risk remains elevated across the Pacific Northwest region.
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