Witness Account and Bodycam Footage Detail How Neighbor’s Observations Led to Wildfire Arsonist’s Arrest

A Washington man’s decision to report suspicious activity near his home set in motion the events that led authorities to arrest an accused arsonist accused of starting multiple wildfires across Spokane and Stevens counties. Paul Child observed a stranger near railroad tracks close to his property on two separate occasions, and within approximately 10 minutes of the second encounter, smoke became visible about a half-mile away. Police responded by evacuating Child’s family and conducting a field identification procedure with three witnesses, including Child, his grandson and the grandson’s friend.

Newly released bodycam footage from the Airway Heights Police Department documents the evacuation and shows Officer Pace communicating with Child’s family about the possibility of identifying a detained suspect. During the footage, an officer mentions that the detained individual had “a whole fanny pack full of matches,” though the video does not display the alleged matches or clarify the recovery method. Child later expressed surprise about this detail, noting that he and the other witnesses had not been informed about the items before viewing the suspect.

The detained individual was identified as Aaron Forrest Farinacci. A field showup conducted on August 1 resulted in all three witnesses providing positive identifications, though Farinacci was released at that time. He was arrested two days later on August 3 after authorities determined they had sufficient probable cause, with his initial bail set at $1 million.

Farinacci faces charges related to the Old Trails Fire and three additional arson incidents. According to court documents, the Old Trails, Fairview and Autumn Lane fires collectively burned 10,002 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 920 structures across the region as of Monday. Investigators allege Farinacci used weather monitoring applications to identify favorable fire conditions and constructed a time-delay ignition device for the Old Trails Fire.

Court filings indicate that Farinacci initially denied involvement when questioned following his arrest but later confessed to planning and setting the Old Trails Fire after a two-week preparation period. Documents further allege he admitted to setting 25 fires in the area since 2025. The alleged delay device was reportedly modeled after one used by serial arsonist John Leonard Orr and constructed from paper, matches, cigarettes and rubber bands.

A judge doubled Farinacci’s bail to $2 million during a Thursday court appearance. Investigators allege he deliberately set simultaneous fires at various times to overwhelm and stretch emergency response resources. Child reflected on the experience, saying he believed his actions played a role in the suspect’s apprehension but emphasizing that Farinacci’s pattern suggested he would not have ceased setting fires voluntarily.