Detectives say Spokane fire suspect confessed to planning 'powerful, beautiful' blaze weeks in advance

Key Points:

• Aaron Farinacci, 37, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson for starting the Old Trails fire in Spokane, which destroyed at least 700 homes; he confessed to planning the blaze two weeks in advance and starting 25 fires near his apartment, with four confirmed by detectives.
• Farinacci researched weather conditions and chose a day with high winds and heat, deemed "ideal" for fire, to ignite the blaze using a timed ignition device made from cigarettes and rubber bands near the BNSF Railway tracks.
• During court proceedings, Farinacci's bond was increased to $2 million, and four additional counts of first-degree arson were added; a competency evaluation was ordered, and his attorney reserved argument on probable cause and bond.
• Farinacci has a prior manslaughter conviction from Arizona and served eight years in prison before being released in 2020; he expressed fascination with fire, describing it as powerful and transformative.
• Law enforcement and fire officials spotted Farinacci near the fire scene acting suspiciously, and deputies found matches, a lighter, and cigarettes on him; a fire investigator intercepted and questioned him before his arrest.