In brief: Spokane Fire Department responds to multiple arson fires
The Spokane Fire Department was called to a string of arson fires one after the other starting just after 2 a.m. Saturday.
The first call was for a house fire in the 2400 block of North Columbus Street. The first firefighters on the scene found burning vegetation with flames beginning to spread to the house, Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe said. A ladder truck on the way to the fire spotted an outbuilding on fire in the 2600 block of North Hogan Street nearby, and some firefighters were diverted to that incident.
A battalion chief also on his way to the fire spotted a burning couch next to a detached garage near the intersection of Helena Street and Fairview Avenue. Minutes later, burning garbage cans were reported in the 1700 block of East Liberty Avenue.
Police searched unsuccessfully for a suspect in the arsons, which are probably related, Donahoe said.
The house on Columbus sustained minor damage. The outbuilding on Hogan was a total loss and a car was partially burned as well, Donahoe said. The other fires were put out quickly and damage was limited to the couch and garbage cans, he said.
S-R seeking stories of ‘everyday heroes’
The Spokesman-Review is looking for everyday heroes.
These are people in our community who’ve done something inspiring, either in a singular event or through dedicating their lives to some extraordinary principle.
If that’s you, or someone you know, please send us an email with a short write-up and contact information to: heroes@spokesman.com.
We plan to collect some of those stories in a special section on June 15.
County road weight limits to be imposed
Spokane County’s Engineering and Roads Department has announced that seasonal weight restrictions will go into effect in the next few weeks, effective until roadbeds have thawed and are stabilized.
Heavy loads can damage roadbeds during the late winter and early spring. The weight restrictions will last about six weeks. Roads under the restrictions are posted with signs. Officers will be patrolling for violators, county officials said.
Crews assessing La Conner marina fire
SEATTLE – State officials do not know how much fuel was released into the waters of the Swinomish Channel after more than half a dozen boats burned during a fire at a marina in La Conner. But state Department of Ecology officials said it appeared most of the leak had been contained by Saturday.
On Friday, a fire destroyed at least seven boats and damaged others at the Shelter Bay marina. No one was injured.
Officials said three layers of oil containment boom and absorbent have been deployed to reduce the spread of pollution. A skimmer and divers are also working to remove and recover fuel.