Four related arson fires

Brian Shcaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002

Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 8:47 a.m.

Incident #: 2014009271

Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe

Narrative: The Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 2404 N Columbus on February 22 at 2:05 a.m. Spokane Engine 2 from the Logan neighborhood arrived on scene and reported a single family dwelling with fire involved in vegetation impinging on the structure. While en route Spokane Ladder 2 reported a second fire at 2607 North Hogan involving an out building fully involved behind this address. At this time the two responding Battalion Chiefs divided the incoming Fire companies to the separate incidents along with calling in additional resources and the Fire Investigator.

While the North Battalion Chief was en route to the second incident he discovered a third fire at the intersection of Helena and Fairview which was a couch fully involved next to a detached garage. Then a fourth fire was reported at 1703 East Liberty which involved garbage cans set on fire. A 5th fire call came in at the intersection of Lacrosse and Pittsburg which was reported to be vegetation on fire. This incident was not confirmed in the darkness of night and is being investigated at this time along with the other four incidents.

These five incidents taxed the resources of the Spokane Fire Dept during the early morning hours of February 22nd. Fortunately all of the fires except the incident at 2607 North Hogan were found in the incipient phase and quickly extinguished. All of these fires were dispatched within a few minutes of each other. The Spokane Police Department did an excellent job assisting the Fire Department in setting up a perimeter and searching for a suspect. No injuries were reported by civilians or firefighters.

Cause: The Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit is actively investigating these four confirmed incidents and they have been declared arson. There is not a confirmed suspect at this time.

Damage: There was very light fire damage to the soffit area of the roof associated to the home at 2404 North Columbus. The outbuilding at 2607 North Hogan is a total loss along with the partial loss of an exposed automobile. The fire damage at the other 2 confirmed incidents involved the destroyed couch and plastic garbage cans only.

# Firefighters Responding: 37

Dollar Loss: $10,000.00

Other Agencies Responding: Spokane Police Dept.