SPOKANE, Wash. – Over the past week, five intentional fires have occurred in the South Hill community, sparking concerns of possible arson. The Spokane Fire Department is investigating the incidents, which include a garage fire, two recycling bin fires, and two dumpster fires.
Joey Haus, a resident of the Regal Village Apartments, described the unsettling experience of discovering a fire outside his door. “It was like sour if that makes sense,” he said. Haus explained he was enjoying his evening when he heard a loud bang. “So definitely a little nerve wracking,” he added.
When Haus opened his door, he found a large dumpster fire just feet away. “And when the fire department got here, they actually heard the bang because they were in a neighboring complex right across the street handling the same thing in their dumpster,” he stated.
The Spokane Fire Department’s quick response was due to another dumpster fire reported across the street. Spokane Fire Department’s Communications Officer Justin De Ruyter commented on the situation, “Anytime you have a series of fires like that and it’s in a close area we will suspect that’s connected but there’s no evidence right now until we get further evidence that we can connect those for sure.”
The fires have all occurred within a block radius near East 53rd Avenue and South Fiske Street, a densely populated area filled with apartment complexes. The fire department is seeking assistance from the community to help solve the case. “You know a lot of times it’s really dependent on us getting good information from the public so that’s why we’re asking for it now is for people especially to keep a watch out,” De Ruyter said.
Residents are urged to take pictures and videos if they witness suspicious behavior and report all tips to the Spokane Fire Department’s arson tip line at (509) 625-7199. “But I hope whatever it is they at least find the person doing it or put it to a stop because it’s a little scary,” a resident expressed.
The Spokane Fire Department is collaborating with the Spokane Police Department in this ongoing investigation.
