Stolen S-R papers used as fuel in arsons

Someone posing as a delivery carrier for The Spokesman-Review likely went on an arson spree early Thursday, using stolen newspapers to light fires.

Seven fires were reported throughout Spokane Valley, starting with a 4:13 a.m. blaze at Yoke’s Supermarket at 15111 E. Sprague Ave., said Spokane Valley Fire Department Chief Mike Thompson.

Twelve minutes later, firefighters were summoned to a fire at Barney’s Harvest Foods, 11205 E. Dishman-Mica Road. Both fires were started with cardboard and palettes and caused about $2,000 damage each. The fire at Barney’s burned through the wall of the store, causing smoke damage to the food inside, Thompson said.

At 5:21 a.m., someone started a fire in front of an office door at the Charbonneau Apartments, 12415 E. 12th Ave., using a bundle of Spokesman-Review newspapers, he said. It caused minor damage.

The fourth fire was reported at 6 a.m. in a trash bin at Opportunity Elementary School. That fire was started using bundled newspapers, as well, he said.

In the midst of the four reported blazes, three vehicles sustained minor damage when somebody tried to light rolled-up newspapers shoved into the cars’ gas tank opening.

Earlier that morning, two young male adults arrived at the newspaper’s Spokane Valley distribution center on East First Avenue, saying they were substitutes picking up a paper route, said Shaun Higgins, director of sales and marketing for The Spokesman-Review.

It is not uncommon for a substitute to pick up papers, especially in the summer, he said.

The normal carrier for that route later arrived to find the newspapers and paperwork missing, Higgins said.

“There is no evidence at this time that the fires were started by anyone involved with The Spokesman-Review,” Higgins said.

The Spokesman-Review will likely put up reward money to try to catch the suspect through Secret Witness, Higgins said. “We will prosecute this to the fullest,” he said.

The Fire Department had no suspects Thursday, Thompson said.