Suspicious fire damages counseling center

Fire investigators are looking into a suspicious blaze that broke out early today at the entrance to New Horizon Counseling Service in West Central Spokane. Firefighters reported that the blaze was spreading quickly on the exterior of the building, 1708 W. Mission Ave., when they arrived at the 12:20 a.m. call from a passer-by. The fire went into a soffit area above the front door and into the attic space above the counseling center, causing an estimated $10,000 in damage before being brought under control. The department sent 22 firefighters to the incident. An investigator from the Spokane fire special investigation unit was on the scene this morning. A series of suspicious fires and arsons have occurred in the West Central Neighborhood of Spokane in recent years.