Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Washington man arrested for deliberately starting one of the fires, told law enforcement officials he planned the spark for weeks. While being interviewed in custody, Farinacci told Spokane County Detective Michael Drapeau that fire “is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth,” according to Spokane County court documents released Wednesday. Arson suspect Aaron Farinacci waits for his initial court appearance by video at the county courthouse in Spokane, Wash., Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. Farinacci told officers he carries the matches to light his cigarette if his lighter goes out. Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said Thursday that it will be weeks before people can safely return to the burned areas.