SPOKANE, Wash. — A series of intentionally set fires throughout Spokane kept fire crews busy throughout February; now, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) urges the public to take extra precautions to prevent further fires.
The fires started on Feb. 12 around 7:16 p.m. near the 5400 block of West Barnes Road when SFD received a call of a fire coming from a parked van. Fire crews extinguished the blaze and found a hole drilled into the gas tank. Nearby, firefighters found a portable drill, which was collected as evidence.
Nearby security cameras captured an unidentified individual who attempted to siphon the vehicle’s gas tank, which resulted in an estimated loss of $50,000.
On Feb. 26 at 11:40 a.m., SFD responded to reports of a fire at the Old Spaghetti Factory on South Monroe Street. SFD said security cameras showed a man setting fire to debris from a transient camp in the nearby alley, which smoldered for several hours before spreading to the building’s HVAC system. SFD said this fire caused approximately $10,000 in damages.
Later that same day, a fire broke out near the 200 block of West Indiana Avenue around 11:49 p.m. Many calls reported flames from a business. Firefighters arrived and located a significant fire threatening the interior of the building. Crews quenched the fire and determined an illegal campsite on the property caused it. SFD estimates the loss from this incident is $50,000.
“Fire investigators urge the public and property owners to help by ensuring properties are clear of debris, particularly around structures. They recommend maintaining functional security cameras that cover all angles of the property. Additionally, if you witness or experience a fire and have footage available, please get in touch with fire investigators at 509-625-7120 to assist with their inquiries,” SFD said.
