UPDATE: July 8, 2025 11:15 a.m.
The Spokane Major Crimes Unit (MCU) is investigating six fires from the downtown area this morning after determining that they were started intentionally.
They asked anyone who believes they have applicable surveillance footage to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233 so officers can collect evidence. Police are following up on any and all leads.
They reported that the Spokane Fire Department responded to the first fire at 4:15 a.m. at My Fresh Basket.
At the same time, crews were also called to a fire-damaged electric vehicle charging station at the Washington State University campus near Spokane Falls boulevard and Pine street as well as a foliage on a median in that area that was vandalized at about 4:47 a.m.
Later, at 5:12 a.m., crews responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of East 3rd Avenue.
Crews quickly discovered that there were three other structure fires that had been deliberately set in that area.
No one was injured in any of the incidents, but Spokane MCU said that the fires are of “great concern” due to the forecast for hot, dry and windy weather.
Spokane MCU and SPokane Fire investigators are gathering evidence at each scene and Spokane Police are actively searching for more evidence and are looking to determine if there are other related fires.
UPDATE: July 8, at 6 a.m. – Spokane Fire Department reported a suspected arsonist set six fires around the downtown Spokane area on Tuesday.
SFD said that six fires were set with the furthest north being at My Fresh Basket on West Summit Parkway.
The Spokane Police Department is on scene at 3rd Avenue searching for a suspect of the arson and did not provide details into a cause.
SFD said they believe all of the fires were set externally and span across the downtown Spokane area at a variety of businesses and homes.
Firefighters expressed concern for arson fires especially during a heat advisory weather pattern like Spokane is seeing this week.
SFD said anyone with video surveillance or information of the fires is encouraged to contact local police.
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Fire Department is actively responding to two fires near east central Spokane, leading to the closure of 3rd Avenue from Cowley Street to Sherman Street.
The cause of the fires remains unknown as investigations by the Spokane Police Department are underway.
NonStop Local has a crew on the scene gathering more information as the situation unfolds.
Officials have not provided an estimated time for the reopening of 3rd Avenue. Residents and commuters are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
