Authorities say a 63-year-old man used gasoline to set his house and garage afire and then fatally shot himself as the buildings burned Thursday morning.
Yakima police and firefighters responding to the fire at 222 N. 36th Ave. about 3 a.m. found the garage in flames. After using a battering ram to enter the home, police discovered the man’s body in a chair in the living room, police spokesman Mike Bastinelli said.
Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set by the home’s occupant, said Capt. Jeff Pfaff, fire department spokesman.
“A significant amount of gasoline was used inside the residence to start the fire, which allowed for rapid spread and involvement when crews arrived,” Pfaff said.
Yakima County Coroner Jack Hawkins said the man died of a single gunshot to the head.
Police who arrived on the scene first told firefighters there were visible holes in the floor, a gas can in the room and a strong odor of gasoline in the house, Pfaff said.
Joe Sexton, who lives next door, said he saw the garage burning about 3 a.m., with flames twice the height of the one-story home. He said he saw officers enter the home.