Puyallup man arrested for allegedly setting fire in median on state Route 167
A 36-year-old Puyallup man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly setting fire to a median on state Route 167 near Meridian Avenue, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Fife Police, Puyallup Police and the Washington State Patrol teamed up to make the arrest.
“Joint team effort!!” trooper Ryan Burke tweeted. “WSP, Fife Pd and Puyallup PD just arrested a 36yr old Puyallup resident. He was caught in the median on SR-167@ Meridian setting a fire! He is currently on his way to jail! Great job everybody! #playstupidgames.”
Fires have spread in the Pacific Northwest in recent days. The Sumner Grade fire burning near Bonney Lake is now estimated to be 800 acres. Containment remains at 20 percent.
Pierce County has declared a state of emergency to allocate more resources to fighting the wildfires.
County Executive Bruce Dammeier signed the declaration Tuesday afternoon to allow for more help from other counties and the state. Firefighters and engines have come from Kitsap County, Kirkland and the state is offering command resources and helicopters.
The state of emergency also allows the county to move quicker in allocating needed resources and money, rather than following normal bureaucratic procedures.
