Zachary Tyler Vantuyl, Arson, Washington 2023

⏱ 2 min read

A serial arsonist has been brought to justice in Eastern Washington. Zachary Tyler Vantuyl, 34, of Selah, Washington, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for setting multiple wildfires in 2023 and 2024. The fires caused over $1 million in damages. Vantuyl was also found to be a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to investigators, Vantuyl’s crimes were discovered through eyewitness reports and a pattern of suspicious behavior. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) identified Vantuyl’s 2022 Chevrolet Silverado pickup at the scenes of the wildfires. Witnesses described Vantuyl as a white male with a weathered face, broad shouldered, and of average height.

Vantuyl’s crimes occurred on several dates, including September 3, 2024, and September 25, 2024. On September 3, 2024, a witness reported hearing a vehicle speeding away from the scene of a fire, and then seeing flames and embers in the area. When questioned by the witness, Vantuyl claimed to be with the Department of Natural Resources.

Vantuyl was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Stanley A. Bastian on May 11, 2026. In addition to his prison sentence, Vantuyl was ordered to pay $1,010,343.44 in restitution for the costs and damages caused by the wildfires.

The sentence brings closure to the communities affected by Vantuyl’s crimes. The investigation and sentencing are a testament to the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, and the courage of eyewitnesses who came forward to report suspicious activity.

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