A man accused of starting one of the devastating wildfires in Washington state’s Spokane area has admitted to igniting more than two dozen fires since last year, according to court documents cited by CNN.
Aaron Farinacci, 37, now faces five counts of first-degree arson, including one linked to the Old Trails Fire, which began on Saturday.
Prosecutors said four of the fires he confessed to have already been corroborated by investigators, with further charges possible.
According to CNN, Farinacci told detectives he had planned the Old Trails Fire for weeks and deliberately chose a day with high winds and low humidity to maximise its spread.
One detective wrote: “He feels fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth.”
Investigators also allege Farinacci researched serial arsonists and wildfire conditions before carrying out the attacks.
The Old Trails Fire is one of three major blazes that have burned more than 10,000 acres, destroyed hundreds of homes and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.
A local resident, Paul Child, told CNN he saw a man later identified as Farinacci near the fire’s origin shortly before smoke appeared.
“My first response was … ‘That S.O.B. started a fire,’” Child said.
Farinacci appeared in court on Thursday, where a judge set bail at $2 million. His lawyer said a competency evaluation would be requested.
