Man holds yule tree barbecue

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews had a Christmas in June moment this last week. One of the 218 calls received in the week of June 23-29 involved a man doing a little illegal burning on his backyard barbecue.

Crews were sent to the 900 block of North Sargent Road just after 5 p.m. on June 24, said Assistant Fire Marshal Bill Clifford. The resident was burning a Christmas tree with its ornaments still attached. “I believe it was a fake one, too,” Clifford said. “If it’s not fireworks, it’s burning Christmas trees.”

A resident in an apartment complex near the 5900 block of East Woodlawn Drive called firefighters on June 27 to report that three teens were playing with fire in a wooded area. A fire investigator was sent to the area and was able to locate and talk to two of the teens. Apparently they were playing with matches, lighters and Axe body spray, Clifford said.

A small brush fire was reported in the area of 15900 E. Alki Ave, the evening of June 24. Firefighters found an area of burnt grass when they arrived. Two children said they discovered the fire, but they denied setting it, Clifford said. Another brush fire was reported along the westbound lanes of I-90 in front of George Gee in Liberty Lake. It was likely started by a discarded cigarette, Clifford said.

The week included 180 EMS calls and two hazardous materials calls, both involving broken gas lines. Thirteen car accidents were reported that sent five people to the hospital.