SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane firefighters responded to multiple brush fires in the west Spokane area today and are investigating the cause of the fires.
on Sunday, the Spokane Fire Department responded to multiple reports of a brush fire spreading into trees in the 2900 block of West Riverside Avenue. Engine 4 arrived within four minutes to find a fire covering approximately 100 by 50 feet, involving grass and trees. Firefighters said as they worked to contain this blaze, a second fire was reported across the street, prompting a second alarm brush fire response. This response brought additional resources from the Spokane Valley Fire Department, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The second fire rapidly expanded, burning an estimated 3-5 acres of grass and brush on a steep hillside near The Ridge Condominiums. Firefighters attacked the blaze from below while others protected the condominiums from the top of the hill. The fire was contained at the condos’ irrigated lawn, preventing damage to property valued at over $4.5 million.
The fire’s spread was accelerated by dry vegetation and steep terrain. However, the lack of strong winds, minimal spot fires, well-maintained defensible space, and the prompt response from multiple agencies contributed to containing the fire without property damage or injuries.
Firefighters said they will continue to reinforce containment lines, extinguish smoldering areas, and patrol the burned area for hot spots over the coming days.
SFD said that reports indicated a suspicious man in the area who witnesses believe may be connected to the fires. Both fires are under investigation with the Spokane Police Department, and no suspect information is available at this time. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and seeking surveillance footage at this time.
SFD said that four fires burned tonight and is investigating the cause as well.
The Spokane Fire Department urges the public to report suspicious activity to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233 or call 9-1-1 for immediate threats. With cooler temperatures and potential precipitation forecasted for the week, combined with expected strong winds this weekend, the risk of extreme fire behavior remains high. Anyone with information on the fires is encouraged to contact Crime Check or the Spokane Fire Department’s Arson Tip Hotline at (509) 625-7199.
