188 calls kept firefighters busy

A flooded basement, smoldering oily rags and 22 vehicle crashes were among Spokane Valley Fire Department’s 188 calls between April 11 and 17.

Firefighters responded to 11 fires, said spokesman Bill Clifford. The call for oily rags in a garage was on Saturday. The department went out to douse a fire on Sunday when someone left a paper sack on top of a gas furnace, and on Monday they put out a power pole that caught fire.

Crews responded to one service call when a broken water line flooded the basement of a home, Clifford said. Firefighters helped drain the water.

The department went out on 22 vehicle crashes, Clifford said. Six people were taken to hospitals.

Firefighters also responded to 139 emergency medical calls, Clifford said. One call resulted in a department vehicle being stolen by a man who led police on a chase that lasted nearly 52 miles.