Reward Offered In Latest Valley Arson

Fri., Nov. 13, 1998

From Staff

A fire that destroyed parts of an old Otis Orchards apple-packing plant was intentionally set, Spokane Valley fire officials said Thursday.

The fire along Gilbert Road just east of Campbell and Trent - first reported around 10 p.m. Wednesday - grew to three alarms before about 30 firefighters put it out about 3:30 a.m.

It was the third Valley fire in little more than a month believed to have been caused by arson. Parts of a West Valley church were set on fire in September. Two weeks ago, a fire ripped through the kitchen in a Dishman-Mica restaurant.

Witnesses at Wednesday’s fire said a boarded-up door had been broken into. Fire officials are still investigating it.

Fire Chief Pat Humphries said 12 engines and seven water tenders were called to the scene. One firefighter was taken to a hospital for smoke inhalation and later released.

The wooden building, which houses an upholstery business, abuts the Burlington Northern railroad tracks. Trains had to be stopped for 2-1/2 hours.

The entire western half of the building was destroyed. There was no immediate damage estimate.

A reward up to $7,200 is being offered for information about the arsonist. Anyone with information is asked to call (800) 55-ARSON.

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