08/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2026 16:36
Officer T. Leming, PIO
Friday, August 28, 2026 at 3:26 p.m.
On August 27th, 2026 Spokane Fire Department and Spokane police officers responded to a fire reported in the area of W. 3rd Ave and S. Maple St. The fire was located between train tracks and a gas station. One caller described the male suspect and his clothing. SFD quickly extinguished the fire when they arrived.
When officers arrived and contacted the witness, they learned the suspect had been observed lighting the fire with a pink butane torch lighter. The suspect also attempted to light two other fires in the area but was unsuccessful. The witness followed the suspect to the parking lot of a downtown business. Police contacted the suspect and noticed he had soot on his face and burn holes in his shirt. During a search incident to arrest, officers located a pink butane torch lighter on his person.
Another officer contacted an employee at the nearby gas station and obtained video footage of the suspect starting the fire in dry grass near the train tracks.
Jacob S. Brooks (29) was arrested for Arson 2nd Degree and booked into the Spokane County Jail.
Emergency Services
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE from Police, Fire or ambulance: call 911
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Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE by phone from trained mental health counselors: call 988
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Crime Check Online Reporting also available.
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Social Services
Social services and community resources like housing, food, and employment help: call 211
For general police email contact: [email protected]
Officer Daniel Strassenberg
509-835-4568
[email protected]