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Spokane arson suspect told prosecutors he started 25 other fires, documents say
The Seattle Times • • nation
Key Points:
- A 37-year-old man arrested for allegedly starting the Old Trails wildfire in Spokane is now facing additional arson charges after admitting to setting 25 other fires near Riverside State Park since July 2025, with evidence confirming at least four of these.
- The suspect reportedly planned the Old Trails fire for two weeks, choosing the day for its hot, dry, and windy conditions, and expressed fascination with fire, claiming arson is an easy crime to evade detection.
- Prosecutors have requested four more first-degree arson charges and indicated the investigation is ongoing, with potential for further charges as more details emerge.
- The man has a criminal history including a 2012 manslaughter conviction for fatally shooting his father and has cited personal struggles following the birth of his son last year.
- The three recent Spokane-area wildfires have burned over 15 square miles, destroyed or damaged nearly 850 structures, forced evacuations of more than 60,000 people, and prompted ongoing Level 3 evacuation orders and emergency shelter operations.
