YAKTRINEWS.COM, BENTON COUNTY, WA — Local authorities are actively looking for a suspect accused of burning a residential building just outside of Benton City in May. The suspect’s name is James Gaines. He is a 37-year-old man from Burbank, Washington and he is suspected of committing Arson to the first degree. A nationwide extraditable warrant was issued for his arrest. His estimated height and weight are 5-foot-11, 175 lbs. He has brown hair and blue eyes. He’s known to have a full beard but may have shaved by this point. Authorities say that Gaines is aware that they are looking for him and is currently avoiding arrest. As a result, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office is putting a $1,000 reward for information that would lead to his arrest. In a press release issued by the sheriff’s office on Thursday, deputies and fire crews responded to a residential structure fire on Schumacher Private Road on May 26, 2021. The building reportedly burned completely and has since been considered a total loss. Benton County Detectives urge anyone with information that may contribute to his arrest to reach out directly. You can do so by calling 509-628-033. Authorities stressed that community members should not approach the suspect.