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Suspect Charged with Setting Spokane Area Wildfires After Alleged Confession
Just the facts
Prosecutors filed four additional first-degree arson charges against Aaron Forrest Farinacci, prompting Judge Jeremy Schmidt to increase his bail to $2 million after he allegedly confessed to setting 25 regional fires since 2025. Investigators stated that Farinacci admitted to constructing time-delay ignition devices using paper, matches, cigarettes, and rubber bands modeled after serial arsonist John Leonard Orr. The Old Trails Fire burned over 3,200 acres, destroyed approximately 700 structures, and forced the evacuation of more than 60,000 residents in eastern Washington. The court ordered a mental competency evaluation for Farinacci prior to scheduling formal arraignment proceedings.
Why this is news
Law enforcement officers arrested 37-year-old Aaron Forrest Farinacci in connection with the Old Trails Fire in Spokane County, Washington. Subsequent interrogation led prosecutors to file additional criminal charges.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.