Suspected Arsonist Identified in Eastern Washington Wildfire

Paul Child noticed a stranger twice near the railroad tracks outside his home in Washington. Smoke rose about 10 minutes after the man crouched in nearby bushes, which led to a significant police investigation. Bodycam footage shows officers evacuating Child’s family and taking them to an identification site after detaining a suspect who matched their descriptions.

During the encounter, officers mentioned the detained man had “a whole fanny pack full of matches.” The video, however, does not show these matches or detail how they were found.

The man’s suspicious behavior involved crouching near bushes and pacing nervously after the witnesses spotted him.

Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson related to the Old Trails Fire in eastern Washington. Child, alongside his grandson and the friend’s grandson, identified the man during a field showup. However, the suspect was initially released before being formally charged two days later.

Farinacci faces accusations not just for the Old Trails Fire but also for setting multiple fires since 2025. The fires have affected over 10,000 acres, damaged several structures, and demanded urgent fire-fighting efforts. Court documents suggest Farinacci planned arson with a device modeled after serial arsonist John Leonard Orr.

Further allegations include Farinacci using weather apps for ideal fire conditions and setting simultaneous fires to distract emergency teams.

The Old Trails Fire forced Child’s family to quickly evacuate, leaving behind essentials. Child regrets not stopping the arsonist earlier but is relieved knowing the suspect is off the streets. He emphasized that although destructive, the fires luckily claimed no lives. Greg Wehner of Fox News Digital covers U.S. crime and public safety stories.