Detectives say a Spokane fire suspect confessed to planning a “powerful, beautiful” blaze weeks before it was started, according to reports and court records. Authorities allege the suspect waited for dry, windy conditions before igniting the fire, identified in related coverage as the Old Trails Fire.
Court documents reportedly say the suspect also admitted to setting 25 other fires since last summer. The allegations describe a pattern of intentionally started fires, though the claims remain subject to the legal process and any charges must be resolved in court.
The arrest followed investigative work that included information from a grandfather whose quick thinking helped fire investigators identify a suspect, according to other reports. Authorities have not publicly provided all details about how the investigation developed.
The case has unfolded amid questions directed at the sheriff’s office and frustration over evacuations as fires threatened the Spokane area. Officials have faced scrutiny about their response and communication while investigators continue examining the reported fires and the suspect’s statements.
Related Coverage
- Spokane wildfire arson suspect waited for dry, windy day to start blaze, police say
- Court records: Arson suspect admits to setting Old Trails Fire, 25 other fires since last summer
- Sheriff responds to questions as evacuation frustrations grow
- Aaron Farinacci arrest: How a grandfather’s quick thinking led fire investigators to a Spokane arson suspect