The accused individual in the Old Trails Fire case, which impacted Spokane County, has had his bail increased to $2 million. This decision occurred after prosecutors filed four more arson charges against him, claiming he admitted to starting 25 fires in the region since 2025.

Court documents reveal that Aaron Forrest Farinacci, 37, confessed to using weather apps to find optimal conditions for arson. He allegedly checked weather conditions while constructing a delayed ignition device for the Old Trails Fire.

During a Thursday court session, Judge Jeremy Schmidt saw sufficient evidence to charge Farinacci with four new first-degree arson counts related to fires allegedly set since last summer. Initially, Farinacci denied involvement during a lengthy interrogation following his arrest on August 3. He later confessed to planning and igniting the fire.

“Given the addition of four separate arson counts,” stated Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam, “I am asking the court to increase bail or bond in this amount to $2 million.”

Firefighters managed the wildfire near Spokane on August 2, 2026. Detectives linked Farinacci to several other fires in the area.

The Old Trails Fire caused significant damage, destroying hundreds of structures around Spokane before the arrest of Farinacci, suspected of first-degree arson.

The judge accepted the request for the increased bail amount, noting its appropriateness based on the charges’ severity.

An arraignment delay occurred as Farinacci’s legal defense requested a mental competency evaluation to assess his trial fitness.

The Old Trails Fire began on August 1, burning over 3,200 acres, demolishing about 700 homes and buildings, and forcing the evacuation of over 60,000 residents.

Court documents state that Farinacci meticulously planned the Old Trails Fire weeks in advance, creating a time-delay apparatus using paper, matches, cigarettes, and rubber bands. This setup mirrored one used by serial arsonist John Leonard Orr.

Additionally, the documents allege Farinacci lit multiple fires concurrently to distract and dilute emergency response efforts.

Farinacci’s background check revealed a prior manslaughter conviction for fatally shooting his father in Arizona in 2010. He served approximately ten years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault.