Spokane Arson Suspect Confesses to Dozens of Fires

Aaron Farinacci appeared in court Thursday for his arraignment on charges related to one of Washington state's most destructive wildfires.

Court documents state detectives believe Farinacci confessed to using a weather app to select a dry, windy day to start the blaze. Farinacci also claimed he ignited 25 other fires near his home between July and August. Police said the man charged with starting the wildfire confessed to the crime, describing his planning process over several weeks.

He explained how he created a device to ignite the blaze that destroyed hundreds of buildings. Prosecutors state Aaron Farinacci admits to starting one Spokane wildfire and over two dozen others. Detectives say the suspect confessed, planned the fire in advance, and researched arsonists. The suspect faces a first-degree arson charge. Officials in Washington state report progress in containing the Spokane wildfires, which have burned more than 10,000 acres and scorched approximately 800 homes and buildings. Farinacci is scheduled to return to court on Thursday.