Old Trails Fire suspect's bail increased to $2 million after alleged confession

Aaron Forrest Farinacci, 37, has had his bail increased to $2 million following the filing of four additional arson charges related to the Old Trails Fire in Spokane County. Prosecutors allege that Farinacci admitted to setting 25 fires in the area since 2025 and monitored weather conditions to facilitate his actions. During a court appearance, Judge Jeremy Schmidt found probable cause for the new charges, which stem from incidents dating back to last summer. An arrest affidavit indicates that Farinacci initially denied involvement in the Old Trails Fire but later confessed to planning and igniting it. Evidence has also linked him to other fires, including the Aubrey White and Copper River/Meenach fires. The prosecutor requested the bail increase due to the severity of the charges, which the judge granted. The arraignment was postponed to allow for a mental competency evaluation for Farinacci. The Old Trails Fire, which began on August 1, has burned over 3,200 acres, destroyed approximately 700 homes, and led to the evacuation of more than 60,000 residents. Farinacci has a prior conviction for manslaughter from a 2010 incident in Arizona.