Spokane Arson Suspect Had Planned Wildfire for Weeks Before Ignition
Wertynews.com – A Spokane arson suspect had planned a devastating wildfire for weeks before finally setting it in motion, according to police investigators. Aaron Farinacci, a local man with a prior manslaughter conviction, now faces multiple arson charges after authorities say he deliberately ignited a massive blaze that has devastated the Spokane region. The suspect reportedly confessed to investigators about his months-long strategy to create a destructive fire under the right weather conditions.
The identification of Farinacci came through the keen observation of Paul Child, a 64-year-old Spokane resident. While driving along railroad tracks with his grandson, Child noticed a man standing near the tracks and gazing intently at nearby trees. The man remained in the same spot for approximately ten minutes, appearing nervous and bent over in the brush, which caught Child’s attention.
“He was bent over in the brush, acting nervous,” Child told The AP on Tuesday. “You get the feeling this guy’s up to something.”
Shortly after returning home, Child received a call from his daughter reporting a fire. His immediate reaction was certain: “No longer than 10 minutes after I got home, my daughter says, ‘There’s a fire,'” Child recalled. “My first words were, ‘That SOB started a fire!’ It was the exact spot where he was standing.”
Months of Strategic Planning
According to a court filing submitted Wednesday by Spokane County Detective Michael Drapeau, the Spokane arson suspect had planned carefully to study weather patterns and identify an optimal day for his arson. Farinacci sought conditions featuring “high winds, low humidity, sort of high heat” for what would become known as the Old Trails Fire.
Farinacci also researched the methods of a famous serial arsonist and gathered materials to construct a time delay mechanism. Using simple household items—notebook paper, matches, a cigarette, and a rubber band—he assembled a device capable of igniting the wildfire at a predetermined moment. This meticulous preparation demonstrates that the Spokane arson suspect had planned every detail of his operation.
When questioned by investigators, Farinacci expressed a philosophical connection to fire. Drapeau noted that the suspect told him “fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth.”
Ignition and Immediate Aftermath
The suspect selected August 1 as his target date, anticipating strong winds that would reach speeds of 50 mph. On the morning of that day, Farinacci departed his residence with several potential locations in mind but had not finalized his choice. His planning had been extensive, and he had considered multiple factors before making his final decision.
After arriving at his chosen spot, he decided to ignite the fire, reasoning that “it was gonna get bad,” according to Drapeau’s filing. The detective clarified that by “bad,” Farinacci meant the fire would grow substantially, though he claimed he did not anticipate the devastating scale it would eventually reach.
Widespread Destruction
The Old Trails Fire ranks among three separate blazes that erupted across the Spokane area on August 1, all fueled by extreme drought conditions, intense heat, and powerful winds. Fire officials reported to CBS News on Thursday that at least 913 structures have suffered damage or complete destruction across all three fires combined.
The Old Trails Fire alone accounted for 694 of those damaged or destroyed buildings, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. The destruction has been described as unprecedented for the region, with many families losing everything they owned.
Legal Proceedings and Official Response
Farinacci made his initial court appearance on Thursday, facing multiple arson charges. No plea was entered during the hearing, and his bail was raised to $2 million. His attorney, Colin Charbonneau, had not yet responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson characterized the situation as unprecedented for the region. “It’s a nightmare situation,” Ferguson stated earlier this week. “This is likely the worst natural disaster in Spokane history.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is the Spokane arson suspect facing? Aaron Farinacci is facing multiple arson charges related to the Old Trails Fire and potentially other blazes that occurred on August 1 in the Spokane area.
How did police identify the suspect? Paul Child, a local resident, noticed a suspicious man near railroad tracks shortly before a fire broke out. Child recognized the man when his daughter called to report the fire.
What was the suspect’s plan for starting the fire? The Spokane arson suspect had planned to use a time delay mechanism made from household items to ignite the fire at a specific time when weather conditions would be optimal.
How much damage did the Old Trails Fire cause? The Old Trails Fire alone destroyed or damaged 694 structures, contributing to a total of 913 structures affected across three fires in the Spokane region.
What is the current bail amount for Farinacci? Farinacci’s bail was set at $2 million following his initial court appearance on Thursday.
