A suspect has been charged with arson in Spokane, Washington, after allegedly confessing to deliberately setting multiple fires, including the Old Trails Fire, which authorities say he had been planning for weeks. The man told police he intended to spark a wildfire, and investigators say his actions resulted in approximately 25 separate fires being set in the region.

A judge overseeing the case responded to the severity of the alleged conduct by doubling the suspect's bail to $2 million. Prosecutors cited the premeditated nature of the fires and the significant public safety threat posed as key factors in the bail decision. The charges reflect what authorities describe as a calculated and serial pattern of arson rather than a single impulsive act.

The fires come amid a broader period of elevated wildfire risk across Washington state, where dry conditions have strained firefighting resources. Investigators have characterized the suspect as a serial arson suspect, with the alleged confession providing a detailed account of his planning and motivations, though those motivations have not been fully disclosed publicly.

The case has drawn significant attention given the scale of destruction associated with wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and the deliberate nature of the alleged crimes. Officials have not indicated whether any injuries or major property losses have been directly attributed to the suspect's alleged actions, but the investigation remains ongoing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage linked to the fires.