Spokane Police investigate possible brush fire arson

A 51-year-old man has been charged with second degree arson after Spokane Police say he allegedly sparked multiple brush fires between highway 195 and the Fish Lake Trail.

An off-duty Spokane police officer spotted the fires just after 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Officers set up a perimeter around the fires and detained three suspects, but police said the 51-year-old man is responsible. Spokane Fire and Washington Department of Natural Resources responded and quickly contained the fires.

According to police, the suspect is a local transient living in the woods nearby. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail and police say he has a criminal history of similar nature.

SPOKANE, Wash. —

Authorities are asking all residents to be mindful when enjoying outdoor fires. Warm temperatures are drying out vegetation and small fires can spread quickly.

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