Suspect arrested after dry-grass blaze near downtown tracks
Spokane police arrested a 29-year-old man Aug. 27 after he allegedly set a fire in dry grass near a gas station and train tracks downtown, authorities said.
The Spokane Police Department identified the suspect as Jacob S. Brooks. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail on a charge of reckless burning in the first degree, a felony, following the incident at W. 3rd Avenue and S. Maple Street.
Spokane Fire Department crews quickly extinguished the blaze, which was reported in the dry grass adjacent to a set of train tracks and near a nearby gas station. No injuries or broader property damage were reported by fire or police officials in the initial account.
Witness, video and officer observations cited in arrest
Police said a witness observed the suspect using a pink butane torch lighter to ignite the grass and reported that the man "attempted to light two additional fires that were unsuccessful." The witness followed the suspect into a downtown business parking lot and alerted officers, who took him into custody.
"He attempted to light two additional fires that were unsuccessful," a witness told investigators, according to police reports.
During the arrest, officers noted soot on the suspect's face and burn holes in his shirt. Police also recovered a pink butane torch lighter on his person. Surveillance video from a nearby gas station corroborated the witness account, police said, showing the suspect starting the fire in the dry grass close to the train tracks.
Charges and potential consequences
Brooks faces a charge of reckless burning in the first degree. Under Washington state law, that felony charge can apply when a person knowingly sets a fire that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person or causes damage to a building or other property. Formal court documents and any additional charges were not released in the initial police statement.
Police and fire officials emphasized the risks associated with igniting dry grass, especially near fuel sources and transportation infrastructure. The proximity of the blaze to a gas station and active rail lines likely heightened response concerns, though authorities reported the fire was put out before it spread or caused structural damage.
What officials reported on scene
- Date: Aug. 27
- Location: W. 3rd Avenue and S. Maple Street, near gas station and train tracks
- Suspect: Jacob S. Brooks, 29, booked into Spokane County Jail
- Charge: Reckless burning in the first degree (felony)
- Evidence cited: witness observation, gas-station video, soot and burn holes on suspect, pink butane torch lighter recovered
Authorities did not provide further details on Brooks' bail status or scheduled arraignment in the initial release. The Spokane Police Department and Spokane Fire Department both responded to the scene; neither reported injuries to first responders or the public.
Local context and reminders
Dry vegetation increases the danger of even a small ignition source, particularly in built-up areas close to fuel or transit infrastructure. Spokane officials routinely remind residents and visitors to avoid open flames and to report suspicious activity to authorities. The joint response by police and fire personnel in this incident prevented a small grass fire from becoming a larger emergency.
Investigators have said video evidence and witness statements were key to identifying and arresting the suspect. Additional information, including any forthcoming court filings or a formal charging document, will provide more detail about prosecutors' case and potential penalties.
Members of the public with information related to the incident were encouraged to contact the Spokane Police Department's nonemergency line. The department did not release the identity of the witness cited in the initial report.
