The man accused of starting the Old Trails Fire near Spokane allegedly told police he waited for a hot, dry and windy day to set the blaze, according to an affidavit. Aaron Farinacci, 37, reportedly admitted to about 25 other fires and was returned to custody with bond raised to $2 million while a competency evaluation is ordered. The wildfire forced more than 60,000 people to evacuate and destroyed over 700 buildings; no deaths have been confirmed.
Spokane Man Allegedly Planned Wildfire for Hot, Dry, Windy Day, Documents Say
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Aaron Farinacci, 37, told investigators he deliberately waited for a hot, dry and windy day before igniting the large Old Trails Fire near Spokane, Washington, according to a newly released affidavit. Authorities say the blaze is the largest of three fires burning around the city and has forced mass evacuations and significant property loss.
What investigators say
The affidavit, released Wednesday, summarizes a police interview in which Farinacci allegedly admitted planning the fire two weeks in advance. "He researched his weather app to predict a day that would have 'high winds, low humidity, sort of high heat,'" the document states. Detectives also say he studied a well-known arsonist's methods and built what they described as a "time-delay device" used to ignite the blaze.
Investigators further allege Farinacci told them he became fascinated with fire after the birth of his son in May 2025 and began deliberately setting small fires in July 2025. By the following month he reportedly admitted to starting about 25 fires in the area.
Impact and arrest
The Old Trails Fire is the largest of three wildfires that swept the outskirts of Spokane over the weekend, forcing more than 60,000 people to evacuate and destroying over 700 buildings. Officials have not confirmed any deaths or injuries; they are attempting to contact 14 people who have not answered calls but are not yet classified as missing.
Farinacci made a second court appearance on Thursday. A county judge raised his bond to $2 million (about £1.6m) and ordered a mental competency evaluation; no plea was entered. When arrested, the Spokane County Sheriff said Farinacci was found kneeling near grass at the scene and had matches and a lighter in his possession.
Community reaction
Residents expressed a mix of shock, exhaustion and, for some, relief that investigators have identified a possible cause. "I hope that if it's proven that he did do this, the punishment will fit the crime," said Matt Kincanon, who lost his home in the Old Trails Fire. Other residents said they currently lack the emotional energy to feel anger and are focused on recovering from trauma.
Note: All allegations are from court documents and police statements; charges and claims remain subject to legal process.
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