A man in Spokane, Washington, has been charged with igniting one of the wildfires that ravaged the area, destroying hundreds of buildings. According to police, he had planned the crime for weeks, analyzing weather conditions to determine the best time for setting the fire.
In an interview following his arrest, Aaron Farinacci expressed his fascination with fire, describing it as ‘powerful’ and ‘beautiful.’ Spokane County Detective Michael Drapeau wrote in a court filing that Farinacci, 37, was responsible for the Old Trails fire, one of three significant blazes that obliterated over 850 buildings, devastating entire neighborhoods. The fires forced tens of thousands to evacuate, and many have yet to return home. Fortunately, there have been no reports of fatalities or severe injuries.
Besides the Old Trails fire, Farinacci faces charges for four smaller fires set during the summer of 2025 and recently. His arraignment on five first-degree arson charges was postponed for a competency evaluation requested by his lawyer. Spokane Superior Court Judge Jeremy Schmidt set bail at $2 million, citing the risk Farinacci poses to the community and the likelihood of a violent offense.
Farinacci eventually confessed to starting the Old Trails fire along with others in previous years. He told Detective Drapeau he habitually carried marijuana or cigarettes to provide a plausible reason for possessing a lighter and matches. Drapeau reported that Farinacci knew he could evade capture if he had enough time.
Farinacci meticulously researched weather conditions, selecting a day with high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity to start the Old Trails fire. He also studied the work of a known serial arsonist and assembled a ‘time delay device’ using notebook paper, matches, a cigarette, and a rubber band. He chose August 1 for the arson, anticipating winds reaching 50 mph (80 kph).
Farinaacci knew it would be bad but didn’t anticipate such extensive damage,Detective Drapeau noted.
A local resident, Paul Child, was instrumental in directing police to Farinacci. While driving with his grandson, Child spotted a man near railroad tracks behaving suspiciously. His instincts led him to believe the man was up to no good.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated that it will be weeks before residents can safely return to their homes in burned areas. Besides admitting to the Old Trails fire, Farinacci confessed to setting 25 fires near his apartment building in 2025. The fires affected areas near the Spokane River and Centennial Trail, prompting evacuations and road closures. Investigations confirmed they were arson, although there were no suspects initially.
Other charges against Farinacci include the Meenach fire in July 2025, the Fort George fire in August 2025, and the Indian Bluff fire in 2026. Farinacci has a criminal history, having served a decade in prison after killing his father in Arizona in 2010. He pled guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault in 2012.
Farinacci’s lawyer has repeatedly raised mental health concerns throughout his legal cases. Detective Drapeau mentioned that Farinacci moved to the Spokane area in 2022. He began struggling with personal issues and resorted to marijuana.
Assistance from Associated Press reporter Hallie Golden in Seattle.
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