SPOKANE, Wash. — A Spokane South Hill neighborhood is reeling after multiple intentionally set fires erupted along High Drive late Sunday night, leaving residents shaken and authorities searching for answers.
No arrests have been made in connection with the string of fires, which broke out around 9:45 p.m. and were under control around midnight.
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The blazes, which started as many neighbors were preparing for bed, sent smoke billowing over the area and forced some residents to consider evacuating.
“I packed my bag. I was getting ready to go if necessary,” said Ruth, a High Drive resident. “Very intimidated. Yeah. That’s too close for comfort.”
Dennis Harrington, another neighbor, described seeing multiple fires igniting quickly.
“As I got out of the car, I saw a second fire and then a third fire. And so by the time I got on with 911 and came back with a hose, I could see further to the east, and there were two more fires going,” Harrington said.
He attempted to control the flames with his garden hose while waiting for first responders.
On Sunday night, High Drive had been shut down for several blocks as drones searched overhead for the person responsible. Residents also reported hearing a loud explosion, the cause of which officials are still investigating.
“There’s somebody out there and these are being lit and then there was a large explosion that no one still has any idea of what that was,” Harrington said.
On Monday, Department of Natural Resources crews were on the scene checking for hot spots, while investigators canvassed the neighborhood for security footage that might provide clues.
“I have no idea why somebody would do that. Is that how you celebrate a holiday? I don’t know,” Ruth said.
Investigators are asking anyone with information or video to come forward as the investigation continues.
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