The Spokane Fire Department is noticing an alarming trend. Arson around the city has increased 100 percent.
In June 2019, firefighters had responded to 20 arson related fires. This June, that number is 40.
“That is a remarkable increase and something we don’t normally see,” said Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer.
Fire crews have put out 100 fires around the city since the start of 2020, meaning 40 percent were started intentionally.
Schaeffer said accidental fires are also up, roughly 15 percent. He thinks there’s a reason behind that. “We’re seeing a lot of people staying home as they should, but that also leads to a possibility for a fire problem,” Schaeffer said. “People are cooking at home.”