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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

String of fires, vandalism hit neighborhood

Two people sought in South Hill incidents

From Staff Reports

Officials are looking for two people in a series of arsons and vandalism early Friday on the South Hill.

The Spokane Fire Department believes the fires – between midnight and 4:15 a.m. – were set by the same two men using some type of accelerant, although descriptions of the suspects’ ages vary. The arson targets included a Porta-Potty, grass and brush in residential areas, and a garage, all in a 10-block area between 37th and 39th avenues, according to the Fire Department.

In addition, city police are investigating three reports of vandalism in the same part of town between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m. Windows were broken out at two homes and on some construction equipment, said Officer Tim Moses.

The first fire was reported shortly after midnight, with a portable toilet at Grand Boulevard and 38th Avenue tipped over and set ablaze. 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 brush fire spread and damaged about 25 feet of vinyl fence. Finally, at 4:15 a.m., a fire was reported on the roof of a garage at 1803 E. 37th Ave.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said people in the neighborhoods around the crimes have been contacting the Fire Department with tips and information. He said the two men were spotted in more than one incident.