Man Accused of Starting Wildfires in Spokane Planned Crimes for Weeks

A 37-year-old man from Spokane, Washington, has been charged with starting one of several wildfires that devastated the area. Authorities revealed that Aaron Farinacci meticulously planned the crime, including researching ideal weather conditions for starting fires. The wildfires have destroyed over 850 buildings and led to mass evacuations.

According to Detective Michael Drapeau, Farinacci expressed a fascination with fire, describing it as both powerful and beautiful. Farinacci is accused of igniting the Old Trails fire, one of three significant wildfires in the Spokane region, along with four smaller fires in 2025 and last month. Although no deaths or serious injuries have occurred, the destruction left many residents unable to return home.

Charged with five counts of first-degree arson, Farinacci faced an arraignment scheduled for Thursday. However, his lawyer requested a competency evaluation before Farinacci could enter a plea. Judge Jeremy Schmidt set a $2 million bond, citing Farinacci as a community safety risk and flight risk.

Farinacci initially denied starting the Old Trails fire, yet later confessed during an interview, leading to additional charges. Detective Drapeau explained that Farinacci carried lighters and matches using marijuana or cigarettes as plausible excuses. He researched weather patterns to select a hot and windy day with low humidity for starting the fire and utilized a makeshift time delay device.

“Fire is powerful, beautiful, and things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth,” Farinacci reportedly stated after his arrest.

Farinacci chose Saturday, August 1, due to anticipated wind speeds of 50 mph. Despite acknowledging the potential intensity of the fires, he claimed not to have expected such widespread devastation.

Paul Child, a 64-year-old resident, was instrumental in leading police to Farinacci. Noticing suspicious behavior near a railroad track, Child alerted authorities after seeing Farinacci near trees, exhibiting nervous behavior.

Sheriff John Nowels announced that displaced residents might face weeks before safely returning to their homes. Farinacci’s admitted involvement in 25 fires near his residence in 2025 has raised additional concerns, particularly fires near the Spokane River and Centennial Trail. Among these fires were the Aubrey White fire, Meenach fire, Fort George fire, and Indian Bluff fire.

Farinacci has a criminal history, having served nearly a decade in prison for the manslaughter of his father in 2010, followed by a guilty plea to manslaughter and aggravated assault in 2012.

In 2022, he moved to the Copper River Apartments in Spokane, where his mental health reportedly declined following the birth of his son in 2025.