Man charged with arson in Spokane told police he planned to spark wildfire for weeks

A Spokane County man has confessed to deliberately starting one of the wildfires that have devastated the Spokane area, according to a detective's court filing. Aaron Farinacci told investigators that he planned the Old Trails fire for approximately two weeks, meticulously researching weather patterns to ensure optimal conditions for ignition and spread.

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fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth.

Farinacci described his planning process, which included studying the behavior of a known serial arsonist. He reportedly assembled a "time delay device" using everyday items such as notebook paper, matches, a cigarette, and a rubber band. The detective stated that Farinacci ignited this device in dry grass, intending to start the wildfire. He chose Saturday, August 1, for the ignition, anticipating the strong winds that reached up to 50 mph (80 kph) that day.

According to the court filing, Farinacci admitted he knew the fire "was gonna get bad" and acknowledged it would be large, though he claimed he did not intend for it to grow as extensively as it did. He reportedly told Detective Michael Drapeau that he believes "fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth."

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high winds, low humidity, sort of high heat.

The Old Trails fire is one of three currently burning in the Spokane region. These fires have collectively destroyed more than 850 homes and necessitated the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Farinacci is facing an arson charge and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

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was gonna get bad