Spokane Valley firefighters investigating suspicious Spokane Valley brush fires

Firefighters are investigating a series of small brush fires that started near Arbor Crest Wine Cellars in northern Spokane Valley.

Melanie Rose, spokeswoman for the Spokane Valley Fire Department, said firefighters responded to three separate small brush fires in the area of 4804 N. Fruit Hill Road at about 4 a.m. Thursday morning, one of which threatened structures.

The first fire was about 20 by 40 feet in the dry grass, moving uphill toward the winery, Rose said. Another fire closer to the top of the hill threatened houses. The third fire, farther up the hill just north of the winery, was about a quarter acre. All three were quickly put out and no structures were lost. There were no injuries.

Hill said investigators are treating the three fires as suspicious and believe it’s likely all three are related, or were set by the same person.

“It certainly is a possibility, considering the timeline and the locations,” she said.

A fourth grass and brush fire started at about 4:30 a.m. at 8219 N. Scott Road, further northwest. At about 15 acres, it was much larger than the other three, Hill said, and was also suspicious in nature. She said it’s possible this one was also related.

Hill asked anyone with information to contact the Spokane Valley Fire Department at (509) 928-1700.