Aaron Farinacci charged with arson for Spokane's Old Trails Fire
The suspect allegedly planned the blaze for weeks, built an ignition device, and now faces multiple arson charges after the fire razed homes and displaced thousands.
Updated last month4 new reports, including The Straits Times, Fox News, NBC News and 1 more.
The short version
Aaron Farinacci has been charged with arson for the Old Trails Fire that devastated Spokane, Washington. The blaze destroyed homes, forced thousands to flee, and led to a $2 million bail increase.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, of Spokane, was charged with arson for the Old Trails Fire.5,1 He allegedly confessed to planning the fire for weeks and creating a device to ignite it.2,3 He described monitoring weather apps to identify optimal ignition conditions.5
Prosecutors added four additional arson charges to the case.5 A judge doubled his bail to $2 million.5 Farinacci appeared remotely in court and did not enter a plea.4
Authorities allege he set multiple other fires, though reports differ on the exact number.5,4 The Old Trails Fire destroyed homes and forced thousands to flee.1 Police reported that the fire destroyed hundreds of buildings.3
Investigators linked him to fire incidents from previous years.1 He was previously questioned in connection with two fire investigations last year.1 The suspect admitted to being fascinated by fire.6
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