politics

Spokane arson suspect had planned devastating wildfire for weeks, police say

Police said a man charged with starting a wildfire in Spokane, Washington, confessed to the crime, describing how he planned it for weeks and created a device to ignite a blaze that destroyed hundreds of buildings.

Spokane arson suspect had planned devastating wildfire for weeks, police say

TL;DR

  • Aaron Farinacci confessed to planning the Old Trails Fire in Spokane for weeks.
  • He researched weather conditions and created a time-delay device using common items.
  • Farinacci chose August 1st for the fire due to predicted high winds and low humidity.
  • The Old Trails Fire destroyed or damaged 694 structures, contributing to a total of at least 913 structures damaged or destroyed in the Spokane area fires.
  • Paul Child's observation of Farinacci led police to the suspect.
  • Farinacci is charged with multiple counts of arson, with his bail set at $2 million.
  • Farinacci has a prior manslaughter conviction.