Aaron Farinacci, 37, made his first court appearance on Tuesday in Spokane, Washington, facing first-degree arson charges for allegedly igniting the destructive Old Trails Fire. Investigators state the suspect researched weather apps for windy, dry conditions and planned the blaze weeks in advance amid evacuations displacing tens of thousands.
A man accused of touching off one of the most destructive blazes in Spokane made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, as wildfires rage around Spokane and displace tens of thousands of residents. Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old convicted felon, appeared virtually from jail before a county judge who raised his bond to $2m (£1.6m) during a second court appearance on Thursday.
Preplanned Destruction and Weather App Research
Court documents released this week reveal chilling details about the origins of the Old Trails Fire, which stands as the most destructive among three major blazes threatening eastern Washington. According to an affidavit filed by investigators, Farinacci confessed in a police interview to planning the fire two weeks ahead of time.
Detectives stated that the suspect also researched a well-known arsonist to construct a time-delay device
for igniting the flames. Authorities reported that Farinacci had struggled since the birth of his son in May 2025 and developed a dangerous fascination with fire. According to the court records, he allegedly claimed responsibility for setting 25 separate fires in the area between July 2025 and the following month. He feels that fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth,
the affidavit states.
Citizen Tips and Arrest Details in Spokane
The breakthrough in the investigation came from an attentive citizen. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels explained during a press conference that a witness spotted a suspect matching Farinacci’s description near a tree line on Saturday afternoon just as the wildfire broke out. That witness described a bald white male wearing a backpack and a green shirt acting nervously near the scene.
Law enforcement initially questioned and released Farinacci before major crimes detectives arrested him as evidence accumulated. Inside the suspect’s fanny pack, authorities recovered a pack of cigarettes, a butane lighter, and a used box of heavy-duty waterproof matches. While Farinacci denied starting the wildfire and claimed he only used the matches to light a cigarette, investigators moved forward with charges of arson in the first degree.
Court records reviewed by journalists show that Farinacci pleaded guilty to manslaughter roughly 14 years ago in Arizona after shooting and killed his father following an argument when he was 21 years old.
Displaced Residents, Evacuations, and Federal Appeal
The wildfires have burned through 10,000 acres of land, destroyed some 700 buildings, and forced roughly 65,000 people to evacuate across the region.
Evacuees have found temporary shelter at the Spokane Convention Center, operated by the Red Cross. Among them is 54-year-old Charlie Patrick, who left her apartment with nothing. I hope it is still there,
she said while choking back tears. I have a lot of memories and pictures and stuff of my family I can’t get back.
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that authorities successfully reached 14 people who were previously unaccounted for.
Next Legal Steps and Ongoing Uncertainty
During his Thursday court appearance, Farinacci kept his head down and rubbed his eyes. The presiding judge ordered a mental competency evaluation alongside the increased bond, with no plea entered. Fire crews continue battling the blazes, taking advantage of a temporary lull in high winds before another severe heat wave arrives mid-week.
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