SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — A 21-year-old Spokane Valley man was arrested after authorities say he intentionally started a brush fire on the Appleway Trail, then reported it to emergency responders.
Spokane Valley Deputies and firefighters responded to the reported brush fire at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Aug. 15, west of Steen Road near E. Sprague Avenue. When a deputy arrived, he observed Joseph C. Procell Jr. waving and gesturing toward the fire’s location.
Deputies initially detained Procell at the scene. When questioned, he claimed he witnessed someone else start the fire. After being advised of his rights, he refused to answer additional questions. Without sufficient evidence, deputies released him as they continued their investigation…