Wildfire Arson Suspect Arrested After Witness Accounts

Paul Child, a resident of Washington, noticed unusual activity near railroad tracks and later saw smoke rising. This chain of events led to the detention of an accused arsonist.

Recently released bodycam footage captures the moment officers evacuated Child’s family and took them to identify a suspect. The footage includes an officer’s mention of a man having a fanny pack full of matches. However, it does not provide visuals of the matches or details on their recovery.

Aaron F. Farinacci was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson related to the Old Trails Fire in eastern Washington.

Child, along with his grandson and the grandson’s friend, reported seeing the suspect twice near the tracks. The second encounter, according to Child, featured suspicious behavior.

Child described the man as bent over in the bushes and acting nervously when spotted.

Ten minutes after returning home, smoke began rising from the area.

Bodycam footage from Airway Heights Police shows smoke billowing as officers talk to Child’s family about evacuation procedures.

Later, at a field showup, Child and the teen witnesses positively identified Farinacci from the back of a Spokane County deputy’s vehicle.

The suspects’ positive identification did not immediately result in charges. Farinacci was released but arrested again two days later.

Farinacci faces accusations of arson, damaging over 920 structures across multiple fires since August 1. Reports show he used apps to find ideal conditions and created ignition devices.

Child recounted the chaotic evacuation, expressing fears of the wildfire reaching his home and his part in alerting authorities.

Though regretting not preventing the arson, Child felt his alert contributed to catching the suspect.

Farinacci, with an initial bail set at $1 million, faced a bail increase to $2 million. Court documents allege he admitted to setting multiple fires since 2025.