SPOKANE, WA — Fire crews have started to gain the upper hand on the three wildfires burning around Spokane, but officials say the danger is not over yet. The blazes have destroyed or damaged more than 900 structures and forced large-scale evacuations across the region.
At the same time, prosecutors say the man accused of starting one of the fires now faces five counts of first-degree arson. Aaron F. Farinacci, 37, of Spokane, was arrested Monday and did not enter a plea at his arraignment Thursday.
Arson charges expand after interview with detectives
Prosecutors added four charges after Farinacci told detectives he had set about 25 fires in his neighborhood since July 2025. Investigators said they were able to verify four of those incidents.
The new counts include the Aubrey White fire, a blaze two days later within five miles of it, the Equestrian Fire in August and the Indian Bluff Fire last month. Prosecutors said the case could change again as investigators learn more.
Court filing describes planning and materials
Court documents say Farinacci planned the Old Trails Fire for about two weeks before choosing Aug. 1 as the day to act. Investigators say he used a weather app to look for high wind, low humidity and heat…