Arson suspect confesses to planning Spokane blaze that razed 800 structures

Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old with a prior murder conviction, was arrested in a forest near Spokane after authorities linked him to the Old Trails Fire that destroyed roughly 800 structures and prompted the evacuation of over 65,000 residents. In a court appearance on Aug 6, his bail was raised from US$1 million to US$2 million; he wore a shaved head and a yellow prison jumpsuit and did not state his plea. During questioning he confessed to meticulously planning the blaze for about two weeks, selecting August 1 for its forecast of high winds, low humidity and heat, and admitted to setting about two dozen other fires since 2025.

He expressed a belief that fire creates a kind of rebirth, and prosecutors note his long-standing mental-health issues, including the murder of his father. His defense team has requested a psychiatric evaluation. Firefighters have made headway in containing the flames, and officials warn that rising temperatures and winds could worsen conditions later this weekend. No fire-related deaths have been reported to date.