Friday hay fire believed to be arson

POST FALLS - A fire that destroyed an estimated 300 tons of hay worth $60,000 to $80,000 on the Rathdrum Prairie Friday night is believed to be arson.

The hay, a premium grass used for feeding livestock, was stacked in three rows near the northeast corner of Highway 41 and Hayden Avenue north of Post Falls.

No arrests had been made as of Monday afternoon.

"The reason it's suspicious is because of the time at night," said Shaena Dunn, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue spokeswoman. "Nobody should've been out there, especially playing with fire."

Steven Courchaine of Newman Lake, Wash., who owns the hay with Stanley Courchaine, of Veradale, Wash., declined to comment.

The fire was reported at 9:35 p.m. When firefighters arrived, they reported seeing several juveniles running from the area.

Two vehicles were seen leaving the scene. Two males in the second vehicle were questioned and told a deputy they were taking photos of the fire. One of the occupants is on juvenile probation for possession of explosives.

Two males who were walking nearby were also questioned, but told a deputy that they were merely watching the fire.

Another man reported seeing a suspicious white male between 18 and 20 who was wearing dark clothing and had long dark hair and a slender build.

Firefighters told a deputy that they believe the fire started on the east end of the largest haystack and spread west. Only the three largest of several haystacks in the area were damaged by fire, also making the incident suspicious, firefighters said.

A tractor's mirror, lights and battery box were also damaged during the fire.

There have been other suspicious fires in the Post Falls area in the past month, but it's unclear if they're related, Dunn said.

On July 11 and July 29 brush fires were set in Black Bay Park in Post Falls. At the time of the fires, the park was heavily populated.

On Aug. 1 and on Friday brush fires were set in Treaty Rock Park near the Spokane Street exit on Interstate 90.

An investigation continues.

Those with information on the park fires are encouraged to call 777-COPS or leave an anonymous tip at www.postfallspolice.com.

Those with information on the hay fire are urged to call the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office at 446-1300.