Four arson fires in Spokane related, investigators say

The Spokane Fire Department was called to four arson fires one after the other starting just after 2 a.m. today and investigators believe all four are related. The first call was for a house fire in the 2400 block of North Columbus Street. The first firefighters on the scene found burning vegetation with flames beginning to spread to the house, said Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe. A ladder truck on the way to the fire spotted an outbuilding on fire in the 2600 block of North Hogan Street nearby, and some firefighters were diverted to that incident. A battalion chief also on his way to the fire spotted a burning couch next to a detached garage near the intersection of Helena Street and Fairview Avenue. Minutes later, burning garbage cans were reported in the 1700 block of East Liberty Avenue. Police searched unsuccessfully for a suspect in the arsons, Donahoe said. The house on Columbus sustained minor damage. The outbuilding on Hogan was a total loss and a car was partially burned as well, Donahoe said. The other fires were put out quickly and damage was limited to the couch and garbage cans, he said. The Fire Department also received reports that there was a fifth fire in some vegetation in the area of Lacrosse Avenue and Pittsburg Street. That incident is under investigation as well.