Man Charged with Multiple Arsons in Spokane Wildfires

A man accused of starting one of the devastating wildfires in Spokane, Washington, allegedly planned the act for weeks. He researched weather conditions to find the ideal moment to ignite the fire, according to police reports.

After his arrest, Aaron Farinacci, aged 37, reportedly said that he found fire ‘powerful and beautiful,’ and believed it led to a ‘rebirth’ for affected things. Spokane County Detective Michael Drapeau detailed these statements in a recent court filing. Farinacci faces charges for instigating the Old Trails fire, which is among three significant blazes that destroyed over 850 buildings in the Spokane area. These fires devastated entire neighborhoods and forced tens of thousands to evacuate, while no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.

Farinacci also faces accusations related to several smaller fires in the summer of 2025 and a previous month. He is set for arraignment on five first-degree arson charges, though his attorney has requested a competency evaluation. Spokane Superior Court Judge Jeremy Schmidt indicated he would consider this request and set a $2 million bond due to concerns over community safety risk and potential violent behavior.

During preliminary inquiries, Farinacci initially denied starting the fires, but later confessed to Detective Drapeau about the Old Trails fire and several others. He revealed that he would always carry marijuana or cigarettes to justify possessing a lighter and matches.

Drapeau disclosed that Farinacci checked weather predictions, seeking hot, windy days with low humidity to start the Old Trails fire. Farinacci reportedly purchased items, including a cigarette and rubber band, to craft a ‘time delay device’ for igniting the wildfire.

Farinacci chose August 1, when winds were forecasted to reach 50 mph, to initiate the fire. Although he admitted awareness of the fire’s potential spread, he claimed no intention for it to expand as extensively.

A key witness, Paul Child, played a significant role in apprehending Farinacci. Child described seeing an anxious man near the burning sites and contacted authorities with suspicions.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels stated that it would take weeks before residents could safely return home to the affected areas.

Farinacci also confessed to being behind the Aubrey White fire on July 6, 2025, near the Centennial Trail, which led to evacuations following its arson determination by investigators. Furthermore, he’s charged for the Meenach fire, Fort George fire, and Indian Bluff fire occurring in 2025 and 2026.

Having served nearly a decade in prison for killing his father in 2010, Farinacci has a prior criminal record. His mental health was a concern in this case, according to his lawyer. Det. Drapeau added that Farinacci moved to Spokane’s Copper River Apartments in 2022 and mentioned personal difficulties after the birth of his son in 2025.

Report from Associated Press’ Hallie Golden in Seattle.