Apartment complex blaze likely arson, official says

Firefighters are investigating arson as the possible cause of an apartment complex fire in Spokane Valley, an official said this morning. The fire occurred at 2:20 a.m. inside a vacant unit at the Whimsical Pig apartments, 13303 E. Mission Ave. A neighboring tenant heard a fire alarm and called 911. The blaze was quickly contained to a stove and surrounding cabinets, officials said. Bill Clifford, assistant fire marshal with the Spokane Valley Fire Department, said the fire was intentionally started and that an investigation was underway. Anyone with information is asked to call 928-1700 or a tip line at 242-TIPS.