Spokane Valley fire department shuts large slash pile down

A resident attempted to blame the federal government shutdown for his lack of a burning permit on Oct. 5, said Spokane Valley Fire Department Assistant Fire Marshal Bill Clifford.

The man was burning a slash pile that was 20 feet in diameter.

There can’t be any burning of that type without a permit, Clifford said. Even then, the fire in the 23600 block of East Trent Avenue might not have passed muster, Clifford said. “Their slash pile was too big,” he said.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office requested a ladder truck in the 2400 block of North Wilbur Road on Monday evening. An “unruly” 11-year-old boy had climbed high into a tree to avoid deputies. “He was too afraid to come down,” Clifford said. “He was 24 feet up in the tree.”

However, once the truck arrived the boy realized he couldn’t win and came down on his own, Clifford said.

Other events

Oct. 3: Residents were burning old kitchen cabinets in their backyard in the 11500 block of East Ermina Avenue.

Oct. 4: Burning construction debris was reported in the 10700 block of East Mission Avenue.

A motorcycle rider took too wide a turn and crashed into an oncoming car near Sands Road and 44th Avenue. The rider received only minor injuries.

Oct. 5: Crews responded to Evergreen Road and Interstate 90 to treat a driver who had been subdued with a stun gun after leading police on a high-speed chase.

Oct. 6: A brush fire burned a small forested area in the 16100 block of East 24th Avenue. The cause is unknown.

A green yard waste bin was reported on fire in the 12900 block of East Semro Avenue.

By the numbers: Crews responded to 209 calls, including 164 for emergency medical services. Responses included 18 car accidents and one power pole fire.