Homeless Suspect Detained Following Multiple Fires In Union Gap

A homeless man is now under arrest on arson charges after a series of fires in Union Gap on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to a news release from the Union Gap Police Department the first fire was reported late Tuesday near Rudkin Rd and Lilac Ln in the city of Union Gap.

ANOTHER FIRE AT THE SAME TIME

At about the same time a second structure fire was reported in the 1800 block of Rainer Place, Union Gap. Police say that fire was quickly doused but the building they say was heavily damaged. Then early Wednesday morning Officers started searching the area for a possible arson suspect and that's when they found a third fire that was quickly extinguished by a police officer.

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A HOMELESS SUSPECT WHO WAS TIED TO THE FIRES WAS ARRESTED

With the help of Officers from surrounding areas a man was found and arrested on suspicion of arson. The suspect, described in court papers as a "transient who lives outside" was arrested on two counts of 2nd-degree Arson and booked into the Yakima County jail.

BIG DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE AND ATF INVOLVED

The press release says the damage from the fires is significant currently estimated at more than $3 million. They say the fire at the commercial building near Rudkin Rd and Lilac Ln destroyed the building. Along with the building the flames also destroyed three semi-trucks and two trailers.
Union Gap Police say because of the damage to multiple locations they requested help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Union Gap Police say they'll work closely with the ATF, the East Valley Fire Department, and the Yakima County Fire Marshals to complete the investigation.