Woman accused of lighting multiple fires in Spokane Valley

A 28-year-old woman was arrested Thursday evening on suspicion of starting several small fires on the lower South Hill in Spokane Valley.

Angel M. Garton appeared in Spokane County Superior Court on Friday, and her bond was set at $1,000. She faces two counts of second-degree arson.

Spokane County sheriff’s deputies responded around 8 p.m. Thursday to 911 reports that a woman was starting fires and acting strange while walking along South Carnahan Road between East 14th and East 16th avenues, according to court records.

Deputies approached Garton, who was holding a lighter, and arrested her after witnesses said she had started the fires. Spokane Valley firefighters responded after deputies found two small fires – one in brush and one in an electrical box.

Witnesses put out another fire that they claim to have seen Garton start.

Court Commissioner John Stine ordered Garton not to have any incendiary devices, including lighters. He ordered Garton, who said she smokes, to have someone else light her cigarettes or use a stove.