CdA officials warn of fire danger after small blaze

Officials are warning of increased fire danger this year after illegal fireworks sparked a small grass fire in Coeur d’Alene that threatened a boat trailer. Firefighters and neighbors contained the fire in the 100 block of Hattie Avenue to a tenth of an acre about 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. “Despite the rain we received earlier this week, weather conditions have returned to above normal temperatures and vegetation is dry enough to quickly spread even a small fire out-of-control,” Deputy Chief Glenn Lauper wrote in a news release. “These dangerous fire conditions, coupled with fireworks being used throughout the community, can result in serious or catastrophic property loss and pose a threat to the public’s safety.” Fireworks are banned from all city parks and property, including Tubbs Hill, city beaches and docks. A brochure explaining illegal fireworks in Coeur d’Alene is available at the city’s police and fire headquarters.