2 wanted in connection with 4 arsons

Officials are looking for two suspects in a series of arsons and vandalism overnight on the South Hill. The Spokane Fire Department believes the fires – between midnight and 4:15 a.m. today – were set by the same two men, though descriptions of the suspects’ ages vary. The arsons included torching a Porta-Potty, setting grass and brush on fire in residential areas, and lighting a garage on fire, all on the South Hill in a 10 block area between 37th and 39th avenues, according to the fire department. Additionally, city police are investigating a “multitude” of other crimes and damage in the area, the fire department said, including windows being broken on construction equipment and vandalism to homes. The first fire was reported shortly after midnight, with a portable toilet at Grand and 38th having been tipped over and set on fire. About 20 minutes later, a grass fire at 39th and Hatch was reported, the fire department said. A third fire was reported at 2:42 a.m. at 618 E. 39th Ave., where a bush fire spread to vinyl fencing, damaging about 25 feet of the fence. Finally, at 4:15 a.m., a fire was reported on the roof of a garage at 1803 E. 37th Ave. Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer said that people in the neighborhoods around the crimes have been contacting the fire department with tips and information. He said the suspects were spotted in more than one incident, but that some details of the sightings differed. Investigators were still pursuing leads Friday afternoon.