Suspicious fires get closer look

State officials are taking another look at 25 suspicious wildfires this summer in Spokane and Stevens counties, according to Department of Natural Resources officials.

“We are working with other agencies to determine whether the fires are related,” said Guy Gifford, temporary fire prevention coordinator for DNR.

Gifford said there have been “a lot more fires than normal” since June 1, particularly in the Chewelah, Deer Park, Ford and Springdale areas. The latest was Tuesday on Indian Trail Road in north Spokane.

On Aug. 16, firefighters were called out to battle wildfires that started in seven places along the Dennison-Chattaroy Road between U.S. Highways 2 and 395. Two other fires also were started in the area that day.

“A lot of these fires, we haven’t determined what caused them,” Gifford said. So, DNR investigators are asking other agencies whether they have had fires of undetermined cause, as well.

DNR investigators also are asking the public for help. Anyone with information is asked to call the Northeast Region headquarters at (509) 684-7474 during business hours.

Investigators are particularly interested in vehicles seen around fires.

“If you see smoke, pay attention to vehicles in the area,” said Al Gallanger, natural resources investigator for DNR. “Write down the license plate number, color, make and model of vehicles, and how many people were in the vehicle.”

Gallanger reminded the public that fire danger remains very high. The DNR is responsible for preventing and fighting wildfires on 12.7 million acres of private and state-owned forestland.