Deputies Respond to Fire Near Dairy Queen on W. Francis
Deputies Respond to Fire Near Dairy Queen on W. Francis
Suspect Arrested for Arson
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a fire reported near the 300 block of W. Francis Avenue in North Spokane. Working with tips from the community, along with Spokane County Fire District 9 Fire Investigators, Deputies developed probable cause to charge the suspect with Arson 1st Degree. Thankfully, initial reports note only minor damage from this fire, which appears to have been intentionally set.
On August 13, 2026, at approximately 10:05 am, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple reports of a fire in a field that was spreading rapidly toward residences northeast of Dairy Queen (301 W. Francis Avenue).
Deputies arrived on scene and observed Good Samaritans from the area attempting to extinguish the fire with garden hoses and other water sources. Spokane County Fire District (SCFD) 9 arrived and quickly gained the upper hand on the flames.
Deputies conducted interviews and reviewed video footage from nearby businesses, during which they observed a male suspect appear to pour something onto the ground and walk away. The male was the only person observed in the area, and soon after he walked away, smoke was observed.
Deputies and SCFD 9 Fire Investigators obtained a description of the adult male suspect and began searching the area.
At approximately 10:50 am, a Deputy observed the possible suspect, later identified as 35-year-old Matthew G. Robinson, near Francis and Maple. With additional Deputies assisting, he was safely taken into custody.
After being advised of his rights, Robinson would only admit to being in the area but denied setting the fire. During a search following his arrest, Deputies located a bottle of hand sanitizer, which contained 70% alcohol, and a Bic lighter on Robinson’s person.
Robinson was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Arson 1st Degree, a felony.
Thankfully, due to the quick actions of the Good Samaritans, SCFD 9 Firefighters, and Deputies, the fire caused only minor damage to a fence.
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