Bicyclist collision calls occupy firefighters

Three bicycle crashes and a malfunctioning heater at a major retail store were among Spokane Valley Fire Department’s 184 calls between Oct. 4 and Monday.

Firefighters responded to Sears at Spokane Valley Mall about 9:43 a.m. on Oct. 5 after smoke was seen inside the store, said Dave Lobdell, assistant fire chief. The west end of the mall was closed for about two hours while the smoke source was located.

Officials found that a heating vent on the store’s roof was the cause, Lobdell said. No fire was ignited.

Two crashes on Oct. 7 and one on Oct. 10 involved bicyclists and vehicles.

A 16-year-old boy was hit by a car about 8:50 a.m. on Oct. 7 in East Valley High School’s parking lot, Lobdell said. The boy was inside the building when firefighters arrived. He had minor injuries.

About 7:12 p.m. the same day, a 39-year-old woman suffered head injuries when she was struck by a car at Pines Road and 16th Avenue, Lobdell said. She was riding with a companion when the crash occurred. Firefighters found her on the sidewalk on the west side of 16th Avenue.

On Oct. 10, a 12-year-old boy ran into the side of a car while riding his bicycle, Lobdell said. His father took him to the hospital for a shoulder injury.

A safety tip for bicyclists: wear your bike helmet, Lobdell said. For drivers, remember as the days get shorter, bicyclists are becoming less visible.

Spokane Valley firefighters also went on calls including 127 emergency medical runs, 29 vehicle crashes, two structure fires and an adult stuck in an elevator.