Spokane wildfire arson suspect waited for dry, windy day to start blaze, police say

A man arrested in connection with a large wildfire in Spokane, Washington, told investigators he deliberately waited for a hot, dry, and windy day to start the blaze, according to newly released court documents. Aaron Farinacci, 37, also allegedly admitted to starting 25 other fires in the area over the past year. His bond was raised to $2 million during his second court appearance on Thursday.

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He researched his weather app to predict a day that would have 'high winds, low humidity, sort of high heat.'

Authorities believe Farinacci planned the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three burning near Spokane, two weeks in advance. Investigators testified that he used a weather app to find optimal conditions and may have researched a known arsonist to create a time-delay device. The affidavit states Farinacci became fascinated with fires and arsonists after the birth of his son in May 2025, and began setting fires in July 2025.

Farinacci reportedly told investigators that he felt fire was powerful and beautiful, and that things experience rebirth through it. He admitted he knew the blaze would become bad but did not intend for it to grow as large as it did. During his court appearance, he appeared emotional, with his head down and eyes rubbing as the judge set his bond.

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

The fires forced more than 60,000 residents to evacuate and destroyed over 700 buildings on the outskirts of the city. While no deaths or injuries have been confirmed, authorities are attempting to contact 14 individuals they cannot reach by phone. Some residents expressed a lack of anger towards the suspect, focusing instead on their own trauma, while others found closure in knowing the fire was intentional. Matt Kincanon, who lost his home, stated, "I hope that if it's proven that he did do this, I hope the punishment will fit the crime."

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I hope that if it's proven that he did do this, I hope the punishment will fit the crime.