Arson fire takes two buildings, one car in North Spokane

Investigators are combing the scene of an arson fire that destroyed two garages and a car early Wednesday in North Spokane. Firefighters were called around 4 a.m. to the intersection of East Baldwin Avenue and North Columbus Street, where they found several apparent fire starts and labeled the blaze suspicious. At least one gasoline can was found in the vicinity. Police and dogs searched for suspects but have since left the scene. Arson investigators from the Spokane Fire Department are sifting through the remains of the buildings. Damage was estimated at $80,000. “Alleys are absolutely ripe for people to commit property crimes,” Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said, noting that alleys are dark and secluded and often contain equipment for home utilities. He urges people use motion-sensing lights and cameras on their property. Schaeffer said there’s a rumor the arson activity was caught on tape, possibly with a cell phone camera, but investigators have not been able to track down any footage.