Two suspected arsonists arrested Thursday night following separate fires

Two arson suspects were arrested Thursday on suspicion of igniting fires in Spokane County during the past week, just seven days after the arrest of Aaron Farinacci, who is accused of starting the Old Trails fire that burned more than 900 structures in Spokane.

The first of the two potential arson-caused fires, ignited during Sunday’s red flag warning, happened near North Havana Street and East Rowan Avenue, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. It was about the size of a football field.

Through investigations and identification of a possible suspect vehicle, a gold Chrysler 200, police were able to locate and arrest the vehicle owner, 61-year-old Danny J. Riesberg.

Riesberg was arrested in Minnesota for first-degree arson in 1995 and pleaded guilty to fifth -degree arson in 1997, the sheriff’s office said. The fire damaged a utility pole and was 275 feet from a business.

The second fire occurred Thursday morning near the Dairy Queen on West Francis Avenue. Interviews and video footage from nearby businesses showed a male suspect pouring something on the ground and walking away. The fire caused minor damage to a fence, according to the sheriff’s office.

Suspect 35-year-old Matthew G. Robinson was arrested near West Francis Avenue and North Maple Street on suspicion of first-degree arson. When deputies searched him, they said they found a bottle of hand sanitizer – which contained 70% alcohol – and a Bic lighter.

Robinson admitted to being in the area but denied setting the fire, the sheriff’s office said.