Authorities Search For Fire’S Cause Lab Looks For Evidence Of Arson

Investigators have not determined the cause of a fire that gutted two apartment buildings Thursday on West Boone Avenue.

The blaze started in a narrow, 1-foot space that ran between apartments at 2006 and 2008 West Boone Ave. It was fueled by garbage and leaves that had collected in the nook, said Fire Capt. Joel Fielder.

Burned debris taken from the fire’s source was sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, where it will be tested for suspicious fluids such as gasoline.

The fire could have been started by a cigarette, or another burning item thrown from above, Fielder said.

Investigators also have not ruled out that the blaze may have been set on purpose.

The fire left 17 people homeless. Some are staying with friends, and others have been provided a hotel room, said Lynn Westover of the Salvation Army in Spokane.

Demolition workers took less than two hours to raze an apartment complex Friday afternoon. City officials ordered that it be torn down.

Robert Dompier, owner of the apartments at 2006 W. Boone Ave., said he is not sure if he will have them rebuilt. The property is insured. Dompier said five of the seven apartment units were rented when the blaze broke out.

County records show Dompier’s land and property were last valued at $89,600.

Nathan Oulman of Airway Heights is listed as the landowner of 2008 W. Boone Ave., which was last assessed at $51,900, property records show.

One of two apartments was rented, fire officials said.

Homes around the apartment escaped damage. But some residents were still not allowed to return to their houses Friday morning.

“They don’t want us to stay here until they have the power back on,” said Lorraine Sawyer, who lives behind the apartment units.

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms assisted the Spokane Fire Department with the investigation.