Several brush fires believed to be set intentionally in Kennewick

Richland police say they have not arrested the man suspected of intentionally setting several brush fires early this morning along Gage Boulevard and Steptoe.

A witness reported seeing the fires and also says a man left the area near Luke's Carpet on Gage Boulevard riding a bicycle toward Steptoe as the fires started. Firefighters say at least 5 or 6 separate fires were started, some of them threatening businesses in the area.

Sgt. Joe Jackson says they are familiar with the man seen riding a bicycle along the bike path as the fires started and say he suffers from mental illness. Police decided not confront him when he barricaded himself in his home, but will wait until he calms down to talk with him further.

Jackson says they were able to talk to the man, who believed he was being chased, and lit the fires thinking it would help him escape.