Spokane arson suspect allegedly planned wildfire on windy, dry day, court hears
A Spokane man accused of igniting the Old Trails Fire told investigators he selected a hot, dry, windy day for the blaze, and a judge raised his bond to $2 million.
A Spokane County judge increased the bond for Aaron Farinacci, 37, to $2 million after the suspect appeared in court on Thursday on charges of arson linked to the Old Trails Fire, the largest of three wildfires that forced more than 60,000 residents to evacuate and destroyed over 700 structures.
According to court documents, Farinacci told police he deliberately waited for a day with "high winds, low humidity, sort of high heat" before lighting the fire, and he had planned the ignition two weeks in advance. Detectives say he also researched a well-known arsonist to create a "time-delay device" for the blaze.
The affidavit notes that Farinacci claimed to be fascinated by fire since the birth of his son in May 2025 and said he believed fire was "powerful, beautiful" and could bring a kind of rebirth, though he did not intend the fire to spread as widely as it did.
No injuries have been reported, and authorities are still trying to contact 14 individuals who could not be reached by phone.
"I hope that if it's proven that he did do this, I hope the punishment will fit the crime," said Matt Kincanon, who lost his home in the Old Trails Fire.
A mental-competency evaluation has been ordered, and Farinacci remains in police custody.