An ‘Ignitable Liquid’ Found In Mars Annex

Thu., Aug. 5, 1999

From Staff

An “ignitable liquid” was found in the basement annex of the Mars Hotel and Casino, Spokane fire investigator Mike Zambryski said Wednesday.

Authorities previously said they found evidence of an accelerant in the rubble after the July 16 fire but declined to discuss specific evidence.

The arson fire caused more than $3 million in damage and left more than 100 people homeless.

Arson specialists believe the fire began in the annex on the west side of the main Mars building near Sprague and Bernard. Flames quickly spread from the annex to the five-story main building, then jumped to the Fairmont Apartments next door.

No residents were hurt, but two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

Evidence has been sent to a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms laboratory for analysis.

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