In brief: Memorial fund started for rescuer

The family of Shawn Apperson, who died May 3, five months after rescuing his fiancée and baby from a fire, has opened a memorial fund in Apperson’s name.

The fund is set up at Spokane Teacher’s Credit Union under account number 292021.

Apperson’s fiancée, Jessica Hammond, and the couple’s four children all survived the Dec. 4 fire. Apperson became trapped in the basement and spent months at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle undergoing treatment.

Dave Apperson, Shawn Apperson’s father, said the money will go toward Shawn’s funeral and the children’s future needs.

Truck catches fire on Interstate 90

A semitruck carrying 240 gallons of diesel caught fire along Interstate 90 Saturday morning.

The truck blocked traffic near the Lincoln Street exit at 6 a.m. while Spokane Fire Department crews quickly extinguished the flames, according to a Washington State Patrol news release. The fuel tanks, however, did not ignite or leak.

The roadway cleared about 8 a.m.

Red Lion hosts fireworks display

Red Lion Hotels is inviting the public to a fireworks display Tuesday night at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane.

The Spokane-based chain will kick off its national brand conference with a five-minute fireworks display over the Spokane River, according to a news release. The public is invited to view the display in the park at 9 p.m.

Harry Sladich, executive vice president for sales and marketing at the company, said in the release that more than 100 franchisees and managers will come to Spokane to attend the conference: “We are excited to show them the beauty of fireworks over the Spokane River and then to share that experience with the city that supports us so wholeheartedly.”