Man sets own vehicle on fire Thursday

MOSES LAKE - A man reportedly set his own truck on fire Thursday on Phoenix Drive near state Route 17 and told responding firefighters he did it “for reasons that you could not possibly comprehend,” fire officials said.

Grant County Fire District No. 5 was paged out to a vehicle fire around noon Thursday and initially received reports that it might have been intentionally set alight. When the first fire engine arrived responders reportedly noticed a man standing near the vehicle fire with a gas canister.

The man, who reportedly appeared to be suffering from mental health issues, eventually admitted to spraying the car with petrol and setting it on fire, said GCFD No. 5 Battalion Chief Bob Horst.

The vehicle was totaled and the suspect is facing possible charges of reckless burning, Horst said.

- Staff report