Man charged with arson in Spokane, Wash., told police he planned wildfire for weeks
ctvnews.ca/world/article/man-charged-with-arson-in-spokane-wash-told-police-he-planned-wildfire-for-weeks/
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Man charged in Spokane wildfire allegedly planned it for weeksPolice also say Aaron Farinacci is linked to four smaller fires.
Key FactsAug 7, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ctvnews.ca
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ctvnews.ca
- Investigator Michael Drapeau said Farinacci researched hot, windy conditions with low humidity and chose Aug. 1 because winds were expected to reach 50 mph (80 km/h).
- The Old Trails fire was one of three Spokane-area blazes that destroyed more than 850 buildings and forced tens of thousands to evacuate; no deaths or serious injuries have been reported.
- Before Thursday’s scheduled arraignment, Farinacci’s lawyer requested a competency evaluation, while Judge Jeremy Schmidt set bond at US$2 million.
- Sheriff John Nowels said it will be weeks before people can safely return to homes in areas affected by the Spokane fires.
He knows arson is an easy crime to get away from if you have time, and he had time— Spokane County Det. Michael Drapeau, describing what Aaron Farinacci allegedly told him during a police interview
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large and destructive fire that threatens human life, animal life, health, and/or property
city in and county seat of Spokane County, Washington, United States
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Man charged with arson in Spokane, Wash., told police he planned wildfire for weeks
ctvnews.ca/world/article/man-charged-with-arson-in-spokane-wash-told-police-he-planned-wildfire-for-weeks/
Man Charged With Arson In Spokane, Washington, Told Police He Created A Device To Ignite The Blaze And Researched The Weather
huffpost.com/entry/spokane-washington-wildfire-suspect_n_6a74fdd3e4b04fcbf74e0362
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Spokane wildfire arson suspect waited for dry, windy day to start blaze, police say
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Man charged with arson in Washington state allegedly planned wildfire for weeks : Farinacci researched when the weather would be best for igniting the wildfire ...
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How a grandfather’s quick thinking led fire investigators to a Spokane arson suspect
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Man charged with arson in Spokane told police he planned to spark wildfire for weeks
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Man charged with arson in Spokane, Washington, told police he planned wildfire for weeks
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Man charged with arson in Washington, told police he planned wildfire for weeks: A man charged with starting one of the wildfires in Spokane, Washington ...
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Spokane fire: Arson suspect Aaron Farinacci faces four new charges: Aaron Farinacci, who is accused of starting a massive fire in Spokane, displacing more than ...
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Man charged with arson in Spokane, Washington, told police he planned wildfire for weeks
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He waited and planned for the perfect time, then set the blaze, officials say. Inside the Spokane arson case
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Man charged with arson in Spokane, Washington, told police he planned wildfire for weeks
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Key Facts37-Year-Old Arrested in Spokane Wildfire Arson Probe
Aug 4, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: seattletimes.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: seattletimes.com
- The Old Trails fire began around noon Saturday, covered about five square miles Monday night and remained 0% contained.
- Three fires in Spokane had burned about 16 square miles in total, destroyed hundreds of structures and prompted evacuation orders for 60,000 people.
- Sheriff John Nowels said a witness saw a man among the trees shortly before the fire began and later reported smoke, while the man was detained about a mile away and initially released.
- The 37-year-old was arrested on a warrant about four miles from the ignition site, was found with waterproof matches and a butane lighter, and had a previous Arizona felony manslaughter conviction.
the worst natural disaster the region has faced.— Lisa Brown, Spokane Mayor, describing the fires as the worst natural disaster the region has faced.
Alleged arsonist admits to starting one Spokane wildfire and more than two dozen others since last year, prosecutors say
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Court records detail troubled past of Spokane fire suspect: Aaron Farinacci, 37, served a decade in prison for killing his adoptive father in 2010.
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