2007 was big year for arson fires

It’s been a remarkable and destructive year for arsonists.

Spokane saw one of its worst-ever commercial fires, in terms of financial cost. The city’s West Central neighborhood suffered 17 fires that investigators say were intentionally started. The owner of a Post Falls restaurant is accused of burning down a competing bar. And most recently, three people were injured during a single night of arson in Pullman.

Here’s the latest on each case:

“Whitley Fuel Depot

Investigators say fireworks sparked a July 23 fire that could be seen throughout Spokane and caused $20 million in damage.

Timothy L. Jacobs, 19, was arrested in October for first-degree arson. He was released when the county prosecutor’s office decided more evidence was needed to file official charges.

Jacobs remains the primary suspect, fire officials said this week. Fire investigators resubmitted information to the prosecutor’s office more than a month ago and await a charging decision, Spokane Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said.

During an interview following his arrest, Jacobs said he would take a polygraph to prove his innocence. Investigators have since revealed that Jacobs was given four opportunities prior to his arrest to take the lie-detector test. Schaeffer said he was a no-show twice and showed up under the influence of drugs or alcohol the other two times.

“West Central neighborhood

Although there had been earlier incidents of arson, it was the four fires started one August night that caught residents’ attention. By the end of that month, there had been 17, from Dumpster fires to house blazes – a 21 percent increase over the previous year.

More than 60 residents attended a neighborhood meeting in September to confront city officials.

No suspects have been identified in the August night of fires. However, two people have been arrested in other intentionally set fires.

Daniel Gabe Lamere, 51, is charged with first-degree arson for allegedly setting trash ablaze in a Dumpster on June 20 on West Gardner Avenue, Schaeffer said.

Christopher Lee Shartle, 28, was charged with first-degree arson for a Sept. 5 fire on West College Avenue. Authorities allege he ignited a pile of household items, causing significant damage to a home.

“Capone’s Pub and Grill in Post Falls

The July 25 fire, which heavily damaged the year-old restaurant, was started with a 5-gallon can of fuel, authorities say.

Richard E. Hanlon, the owner of Paddy’s and Paddy’s Too, awaits trial for arson in a Kootenai County court. He is free on bail.

Work to restore the gutted restaurant began three weeks ago, and it’s scheduled to reopen in March.

“Pullman

Multiple blazes set in the college town on Nov. 15 injured three people and destroyed an apartment building, a house, a detached garage and several cars. Fire officials said it was Pullman’s worst string of arson in 30 years.

A 21-year-old man was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle but was released within a few days. Two other people were treated the day of the fire for minor injuries.

Investigators say they’re certain the fires are linked.

“We’re still working on the investigation, but we do not have any suspects identified at this time,” Pullman police Sgt. Dan Dornes said.