A Washington man accused of deliberately starting one of the devastating wildfires that tore through the Spokane area has allegedly confessed to setting more than two dozen fires since last year - while telling investigators he views fire as "powerful" and "beautiful."
Aaron Farinacci, 37, is now facing five counts of first-degree arson after prosecutors say his admissions dramatically expanded an investigation that initially centered on the Old Trails Fire.
According to court documents reported by CNN, Farinacci allegedly admitted to igniting the Old Trails Fire and more than two dozen other fires dating back to last year. Detectives have so far corroborated four of the additional fires he allegedly confessed to starting, prosecutors said.
The most chilling detail may be what investigators say Farinacci told them about his fascination with fire.
"He feels fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth," a detective wrote in an affidavit.
The Old Trails Fire erupted Saturday and was one of three major fires that have ravaged the Spokane region. Together, the fires have reportedly burned more than 10,000 acres, destroyed hundreds of homes and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.
Farinacci was initially charged with a single count of first-degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire. Four additional first-degree arson counts have since been filed.
Prosecutors warned that the case could grow even larger as investigators continue examining his alleged activities.
The four earlier fires investigators say have been corroborated include the Aubrey White fire on July 6, 2025, which burned more than 1,200 acres; another fire less than five miles away two days later; the Equestrian Fire on August 11, 2025; and the Indian Bluff Fire on July 24, 2026.
The alleged confession also contains startling details about how deliberately Farinacci is accused of approaching the fires.
According to the affidavit, a detective described Farinacci as intelligent, detail-oriented and highly knowledgeable about fire behavior, wind conditions and fire-warning protocols. Investigators also allege he had researched convicted serial arsonist John Leonard Orr and purchased items that could be used to create a time-delay device for starting a wildfire.
Farinacci allegedly told investigators he routinely carried marijuana or cigarettes so he would have an innocent explanation for possessing a lighter or matches.
"He knows arson is an easy crime to get away from if you have time, and he had time," a detective wrote.
Investigators allege the Old Trails Fire was not spontaneous.
Court documents say Farinacci began planning the fire approximately two weeks beforehand and studied weather forecasts to identify conditions involving high winds, low humidity and heat.
He ultimately selected August 1, allegedly telling investigators he "knew for a fact it was going to be windy."
The affidavit also describes an alarming alleged plan for what Farinacci would do if police confronted him. Investigators say he initially contemplated pulling a knife from his backpack in an attempt to provoke officers into shooting him before ultimately deciding he would instead pretend to be innocent.
A witness ultimately helped investigators zero in on Farinacci.
Paul Child, who lives less than half a mile from where investigators believe the Old Trails Fire began, reportedly drove past Farinacci twice shortly before the blaze erupted. After subsequently seeing smoke coming from the same area, Child immediately became suspicious.
"My first response was ... 'That S.O.B. started a fire,'" Child told CNN.
Court documents say Farinacci initially denied involvement for roughly 90 minutes after detectives began questioning him. Prosecutors allege he eventually changed course and described "in detail his planning and execution" of the Old Trails Fire.
The resulting interview reportedly opened the door to the broader investigation and the additional charges.
The allegations are especially disturbing given the enormous destruction caused by the Spokane-area fires, with families losing homes while firefighters continue battling dangerous conditions.
Farinacci appeared in court Thursday, where a judge ordered him held on $2 million bond. His defense attorney indicated that he plans to seek a competency evaluation.
Farinacci has not been convicted of the current charges, and the allegations against him remain subject to adjudication in court.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have made clear that five arson counts may not be the end of the case.
The charges, they said, "may be further amended as the full extent of the defendant's criminal acts becomes known."
