Sparks from exposed electrical panel start blaze

Electrical issues, car crashes and a malfunctioning microwave kept Spokane Valley firefighters busy last week.

In total, the department handled 206 service calls, four from reported structure fires.

At a building at the 5300 block of East Desmet, an exposed electrical panel began sparking and ignited a trash can nearby, said department spokesman Bill Clifford.

Damage was minimal and the flames were put out with a fire extinguisher. Still, Clifford said he’d like to remind people to keep electrical panels properly covered and easily accessible to emergency crews.

“They need to make sure they have a 36-inch clearance in front of that panel,” he said.

There were 13 fire alarms, including one triggered by a microwave short circuiting, Clifford said.

Crews were called to three car fires and 15 vehicle accidents. Five of those required transportation to the hospital, he said.

The department also received two hazardous materials calls and six service calls, including someone who had locked their child and keys in a car.