Spokane Arson Suspect Aaron Farinacci Confesses to Setting Dozens of Fires

Aaron Farinacci, a 37‑year‑old resident of Spokane, Washington, admitted to police that he deliberately started a series of wildfires on a high‑wind day. He told detectives he timed the arson for Sunday to exploit strong gusts, and he waived his constitutional rights to answer questions.

The fires he ignited were among three blazes that destroyed roughly 700 homes and buildings and forced about 70,000 people to evacuate. At least 16 large fires continued to burn across Washington state, with smoke drifting over Seattle, Portland and parts of Idaho, prompting air‑quality warnings. Firefighters have built containment lines around the main Spokane fires, allowing some residents to return, while the region remains under red‑flag fire warnings.

State officials, including Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, highlighted the devastation and invited President Donald Trump to visit the area. The U.S. Postal Service warned of possible delivery delays due to the smoke and ongoing fire activity.