Fire roundup: Crews respond to illegal burnings; burn restrictions underway in Spokane County
Spokane Valley Fire Department crews had a busy week July 13- 19, and many of the calls involved people illegally burning yard waste, construction debris and trash. There were also a few calls that turned out to be legal recreational fires.
However, effective Monday, local fire marshals announced a burn ban in Spokane County. There are high temperatures in the forecast and fuels, including brush and grasses, are drying out. Low humidity is also the forecast, which also increases the fire danger.
All fires, including recreational fires, are no longer allowed. Patio warmers and other portable outdoor devices are allowed.
Visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com for more details on the restrictions.
Other calls July 13-19
July 13: A dumpster fire was reported at FMI Equipment Rental at 11111 E. Trent Ave. just before 5 a.m. There was a large propane tank 6 feet from the dumpster, but the fire was put out before spreading. Firefighters reported seeing shotgun shell-sized objects scattered around.
July 15: A possible illegal fire was reported in a parking lot behind the Top of India restaurant in the 11000 block of East Sprague Avenue at 2:11 a.m. Firefighters found two men burning a wooden pallet. They told crews that they were burning it in memory of someone who had recently died. Smoke was reported coming from under a mobile home near Glenbrook Road and East Trent at 10:21 a.m. Firefighters were called back to the same mobile home at 1:18 p.m. to find a man spraying down the side of the trailer. There was a smoldering fire below the kitchen sink. A natural gas leak was reported in the area of 12th and 13th avenues. Avista was called to repair a damaged natural gas meter.
July 16: A small kitchen fire was reported in the 6600 block of East Broadway Avenue at 9:25 p.m. A smoldering planter was reported in the area of East 15th Lane and South Davis Lane at 9:33 a.m. The homeowner was spraying it down with a garden hose when crews arrived. Fire was reported in decorative bark on the east side of a hotel in the 15000 block of East Indiana Avenue at 6:38 p.m. The fire was put out before crews arrived and firefighters checked to make sure it was extinguished.
July 17: An accident was reported at Mission Parkway and Desmet Court at 7:14 a.m. Police responded and arrested the driver on a warrant after she was treated by paramedics. SCRAPS was called to take care of the driver’s dog. Crews responded to a call of a 3-year-old child accidentally locked inside a car in the area of Dishman-Mica and Willow roads at 9:08 a.m. As crews were working to break into the vehicle, the child unlocked the door. A motorcyclist collided with a boat trailer in the 14700 block of East Sprague at 10:50 a.m. Responding to a fire call in the area of Flora Pit Road and Marietta Avenue at 1:11 p.m., firefighters found a man using a lighter to kill yellow jackets in a metal bench. A brush fire was reported in the 11900 block of East Mansfield Avenue just before midnight. Crews were able to put the fire out quickly.
By the numbers: Crews responded to 370 calls the week of July 13-19, including 298 calls for emergency medical services. Responses also included nine vehicle accidents, a child locked inside a car and a fire alarm set off by steam.