Inset: Aaron Farinacci (Arizona Department of Corrections). Background: Damage left behind by the Old Trails Fire, which authorities allege was ignited by Aaron Farinacci (KREM/YouTube).
A Washington state man who once fatally shot his father during an argument over washing dishes is now accused of setting off a devastating wildfire with matches and butane, according to law enforcement officials.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, has been accused of igniting what officials describe as the most destructive fire in Spokane’s history. The allegation comes about six years after his release from prison following a 2014 manslaughter conviction in Arizona, court records and local authorities show.
“The Old Trails Fire, one of several fires devastating Spokane County and the City of Spokane, was initially reported on August 1, 2026, at approximately 12:00 pm, near the intersection of N. Old Trails Road and W. Euclid Road, north of the City of Airway Heights,” police said in a Monday press release. “Today, investigators, with the assistance of the Spokane County Warrant Service Group (a small contingent of SWAT Team members), served a search warrant at [Farinacci’s] residence in the 2800 block of W. Elliott Drive, and Farinacci was arrested without incident.”
Farinacci’s criminal history drew renewed attention after his arrest. A 2010 report from The Associated Press said he was taken into custody that October after shooting and killing his father during a dispute over whether he would do the dishes.
At the time, Farinacci was 21. During the confrontation, he reportedly went into his parents’ bedroom and locked himself inside. His father used a key to open the door and was shot moments later, authorities said. Farinacci then attempted to shoot himself but survived.
Police later found Farinacci several blocks from his parents’ home and arrested him on a murder charge. He ultimately reached a plea agreement and was convicted of manslaughter and aggravated assault.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said during a Monday press conference that Farinacci lives in Spokane and had previously been “contacted regarding arson-related behavior,” though he had no prior arrests or convictions tied to starting fires. The Old Trails Fire has forced thousands of residents to evacuate, burned more than 3,500 acres, and damaged or destroyed over 600 structures.
“Witnesses we talked to have seen him in the area before and [Farinacci] was known to walk in that area,” Nowels said.
Authorities have not released a motive for why Farinacci allegedly started the wildfire. He is charged with first-degree arson and is being held on a $1 million bond.
The post Son who killed dad over washing dishes sparks wildfire using matches and butane, leading to the most ‘devastating’ and destructive blaze in city’s history: Police first appeared on Law & Crime.
