In a plot twist that surprises absolutely no one, the Washington state man accused of igniting a wildfire that has turned homes to ash and sent thousands fleeing around Spokane was previously questioned about not one, but two other fire investigations last year. Court documents confirm this, because apparently, the universe has a sense of irony.

Authorities allege that Aaron Farinacci, 37, of Spokane, started the Old Trails fire, one of three major wildfires currently roasting Spokane County in northeastern Washington. He was arrested on Monday and booked on suspicion of first-degree arson. Farinacci, in a move that will shock you, has denied setting the Old Trails fire.

The Old Trails fire is just one of over a dozen large blazes torching Washington. The state has been dealing with what officials describe as an 'extraordinary' fire season in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to extreme heat, drought, and, of course, limited resources. Because why would we fund fire prevention when we can just let it all burn?

The fires around Spokane have scorched more than 10,000 acres. On the bright side, cooler weather and higher relative humidity have given firefighters a fighting chance, allowing them to establish containment lines along all three fires. Crews are now fortifying those lines and bracing for the return of critical fire weather this week and over the weekend. Because it's never just easy.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels revealed that Farinacci was first questioned shortly after the Old Trails fire began. Witnesses spotted him kneeling in the brush near the fire's origin, acting suspiciously. Paul Child, a bystander driving with his grandson, told the Associated Press, 'He was bent over in the brush, acting nervous. You get the feeling this guy's up to something.' A real Sherlock Holmes moment.

Authorities say Farinacci had waterproof matches, cigarettes, and a butane lighter in his possession. Because nothing says 'innocent hike' like a pocket full of fire-starting gear. Police arrested him on Monday after investigators ruled out other possible causes and learned about his previous fire-related chats with law enforcement.

In July 2025, several 'bus-sized' fires broke out near the Spokane River and Farinacci's apartment. The following month, police searching for a wildfire suspect at a state park stumbled upon Farinacci sitting on a bench, 'seemingly out of breath from possibly running.' He was wearing a green T-shirt, which law enforcement helpfully photographed, matching the one he wore on Saturday. While questioned, he wasn't charged. Because why charge someone who's clearly setting fires?

Since his arrest, Farinacci's colorful history has come to light. He served roughly a decade in prison for manslaughter and aggravated assault in the 2010 killing of his father. At age 21, he shot and killed his father after an argument in their Arizona home. He was released from probation in early 2024, and his probation officer said he had a stable residence with his girlfriend and her family, but had not completed a mental health evaluation or domestic violence treatment. Priorities.

Farinacci is currently being held on $1m bail. Because if you're going to allegedly burn down a county, you should at least pay a hefty price to sit in jail while awaiting trial.