Court documents reveal that 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci, arrested for a major wildfire in Spokane, Washington, intentionally waited for hot, windy, and dry conditions to ignite the flames. Investigators claim Farinacci admitted to planning the Old Trails Fire two weeks ahead of time by monitoring weather forecasts. He allegedly used a time-delay device inspired by a well-known arsonist.
Farinacci reportedly told police he had set 25 other fires in the region since July 2025. He expressed a belief that fire facilitates rebirth, though he noted he did not anticipate the blaze becoming as uncontrollable as it eventually did. The wildfire caused the evacuation of over 60,000 residents and destroyed more than 700 structures. While no fatalities have been reported, authorities are still attempting to contact 14 individuals.
During a court appearance, a judge raised Farinacci’s bond to $2 million and ordered a mental competency evaluation. The suspect was seen emotional during the proceedings. Many local residents, including those who lost their homes, have expressed a mixture of shock and a desire for justice, noting that the confirmation of arson provides a form of closure regarding the disaster.
