Yakima Man Sentenced to Jail for Reckless Burning
Ryan Marley received a 53-day jail term for starting a fire near the Yakima Greenway earlier this summer.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Accidents
A 47-year-old man, Ryan Marley, was sentenced to 53 days in jail after pleading guilty to reckless burning in the first degree. The court decision followed an incident where he set fire to vegetation near the Yakima Greenway.
Why it matters
Marley admitted to igniting tumbleweed near a garbage can because he was frustrated with homelessness and wanted to be taken into custody. His actions burned a 50 by 100-foot section of the field.
Ryan Marley is serving a 53-day jail sentence following his guilty plea for first-degree reckless burning. The case was resolved in the Yakima County Superior Court after his initial arrest on August 26, 2026.
The players
Ryan Marley
The 47-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to first-degree reckless burning after igniting a fire near the Yakima Greenway.
Yakima County Superior Court
The judicial body that presided over the criminal proceedings and issued the sentencing for the defendant.
The details
Marley used a lighter to ignite tumbleweed near a garbage can in the summer of 2026, which was observed by a witness who identified him during a field showup. The fire consumed a 50 by 100-foot portion of the field before it was addressed.
Timeline
The fire occurred near the Yakima Greenway during the summer of 2026.
Ryan Marley was arrested by police on August 26, 2026.
Marley pleaded guilty and received his sentence on October 19, 2026.
Legal Context
The conviction reflects the standard enforcement of the Washington state first-degree reckless burning statute regarding intentional fires. Such cases are typically handled through the Yakima County Superior Court, which balances criminal culpability with the specific intent behind the offense.
The incident involving fire near a public recreation space prompted a formal police investigation and witness showup in the area. Local residents may see continued monitoring of the Yakima Greenway to prevent further unauthorized fires in the field.
The takeaway
This case highlights how individuals experiencing homelessness may interact with the justice system in search of stability. Public safety remains a priority in the maintenance and monitoring of the Yakima Greenway.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Yakima Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima.
