The Spokane Police Department has released more details after a man was arrested following a string of fires on Tuesday, September 24.
According to police, the first of the fires was reported on the west side of the South Hill just before 10:00 am. Two witnesses came forward to the police and one provided a photo, which ultimately helped officers find the suspect.
Two of the fires burned very close to structures and the third was a brush fire that was set over the bluff by Polly Judd Park. Tuesday's warmer weather and windy conditions could have easily created a more dangerous situation, according to police.
Officers found 29-year-old Alexander Menko near 12th Avenue and Maple Street. After the initial investigation, officers developed probable cause to arrest him for two counts of first-degree reckless burning.