A man accused of starting one of the largest wildfires in Spokane, Washington, allegedly waited for the perfect weather conditions before igniting the blaze, according to newly released court documents.
Investigators say 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci admitted during a police interview that he deliberately planned the Old Trails Fire, choosing a day with high winds, low humidity and extreme heat to increase the fire’s spread.
The wildfire, which became the largest of three major blazes affecting the area, forced more than 60,000 residents to evacuate and destroyed more than 700 buildings, including hundreds of homes. Authorities say no deaths or injuries have been confirmed, although officials are still trying to contact some residents they have been unable to reach.
According to an affidavit presented in court, Farinacci allegedly researched weather patterns about two weeks before starting the fire. Investigators also believe he studied a notorious arson case while attempting to create a method to delay the ignition of the blaze.
Police say Farinacci also claimed responsibility for 25 other fires allegedly set in the region over the past year.
Court documents indicate that he became increasingly interested in fires and arson after struggling emotionally following the birth of his son in 2025. Investigators allege he described fire as “powerful” and “beautiful,” and believed objects affected by fire experienced a form of “rebirth.”
Authorities say Farinacci was arrested after witnesses allegedly saw him near the area where the wildfire began. He was reportedly found with matches and a lighter.
He appeared in court on Thursday, where a judge increased his bond to two million dollars and ordered a mental competency evaluation. He has not entered a plea.
Residents affected by the fire say the revelation that the blaze may have been intentional has been difficult to process, but some say it has provided a sense of closure after fears that the destruction may have been caused by an unavoidable natural event.
Investigations into the wildfire and the other fires allegedly linked to Farinacci are ongoing.
