Spokane Wildfire Suspect Allegedly Planned Blaze During Extreme Weather

Published: 7 August 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A devastating wildfire that forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate in Spokane, Washington, was allegedly deliberately started by a man who waited for the “perfect” weather conditions to make the blaze spread, according to newly released court documents.

Investigators say Aaron Farinacci, 37, admitted that he planned the Old Trails Fire weeks before it began, allegedly choosing a day with high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity to maximise the risk of the flames spreading.

The wildfire became the largest of three major fires threatening the Spokane area, destroying hundreds of buildings and forcing more than 60,000 residents to leave their homes. Authorities said the disaster affected communities across the outskirts of the city, with many families returning to find their properties destroyed or severely damaged.

Farinacci appeared in court for the second time on Thursday, where a county judge increased his bond to $2m (£1.6m). He has not entered a plea, and the court ordered a mental competency evaluation before further proceedings.

According to investigators, Farinacci also allegedly claimed responsibility for 25 other fires in the region over the previous year, raising concerns that the Spokane blaze may have been part of a wider pattern of deliberate fire-setting.

The Old Trails Fire has caused widespread devastation, although officials have confirmed that no deaths or injuries have been reported. Emergency teams are still working to assess the damage, while authorities attempt to contact 14 people who have not responded to calls but are not officially considered missing.

Court documents released on Wednesday reveal details of the investigation into Farinacci’s alleged actions.

According to an affidavit, Farinacci told police that he planned the fire approximately two weeks before it started. Investigators said he used a weather application to identify conditions that would allow a fire to grow rapidly.

“He researched his weather app to predict a day that would have high winds, low humidity, sort of high heat,” the affidavit stated.

Detectives also believe Farinacci researched the methods used by a well-known arsonist and attempted to create a time-delay ignition device.

Authorities allege that Farinacci’s interest in fires developed after a difficult period in his personal life following the birth of his son in May 2025. Court documents state that he became increasingly fascinated with fire behaviour and people responsible for major arson attacks.

Investigators claim he began setting smaller fires in July 2025, allegedly starting 25 fires by the following month.

The affidavit describes Farinacci as believing that fire had a symbolic power, stating that he viewed it as something “powerful” and “beautiful”, with destruction representing a form of “rebirth”.

However, investigators say he acknowledged that he understood the danger involved.

“He knew the blaze was gonna get bad,” the documents state, although he allegedly said he did not intend for it to become as destructive as it ultimately did.

Farinacci was arrested on Monday after authorities said he was seen near the grass where the Old Trails Fire began.

Spokane County Sheriff’s officials said he was allegedly observed kneeling near vegetation at the fire’s starting point. When officers searched him, they reportedly discovered matches and a lighter.

The arrest came after investigators had already examined possible links between Farinacci and earlier fire incidents in the area.

The case has shocked many residents, particularly those who lost homes and belongings in the wildfire.

For some victims, learning that the fire may have been deliberately started brought a complicated mixture of anger and relief.

Some residents told reporters they were not ready to focus on anger because they were still dealing with the emotional impact of losing their homes and being forced to flee.

Others said knowing the cause of the disaster provided a sense of closure after weeks of uncertainty.

Matt Kincanon, who lost his home in the Old Trails Fire, said the alleged actions had transformed the lives of thousands of people.

“I hope that if it’s proven that he did do this, I hope the punishment will fit the crime,” he said.

“Because what he allegedly did turned over the lives of so many people.”

The Spokane wildfires have left local authorities facing a major recovery operation. Thousands of residents have been displaced, while emergency workers continue assessing property damage and supporting affected families.

The destruction has also highlighted the vulnerability of communities in the western United States, where hotter temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds have increased the risk of severe wildfires in recent years.

Although wildfires can occur naturally through lightning strikes or accidental causes, deliberate fire-setting during extreme weather conditions can rapidly turn a small ignition into a major disaster.

Officials have warned that the investigation into the Spokane fire remains ongoing and that additional charges could follow as detectives continue reviewing evidence.

The mental health evaluation ordered by the court will determine whether Farinacci is considered competent to participate in legal proceedings.

For families who lost their homes, however, the legal process is only one part of a much longer journey. Many are now rebuilding their lives while dealing with the emotional consequences of losing homes, possessions and a sense of security.

As investigators continue examining the alleged chain of events leading to the Old Trails Fire, residents hope accountability will follow for those responsible for one of Spokane’s most destructive wildfire events in recent history.

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