Tot with lighter sets couch on fire in Spokane Valley

Investigators have determined that a 3-year-old playing with a lighter caused a fire at 11121 E. Springfield Ave., on Jan. 31, said Spokane Valley Fire Department assistant fire marshal Bill Clifford.

The adults in the home were asleep when the fire started in a couch. Two people received minor injuries when they tried to haul the burning couch out of the home. The residents are renters and do not have insurance. The Red Cross was called to assist the family.

People illegally processing marijuana in an apartment started a kitchen fire in the 500 block of South University Road on Monday, Clifford said. They were using butane in the processing and the butane ignited, setting the kitchen cabinets and ceiling on fire. “I knew we were going to start to see these types of fires,” Clifford said. “I don’t think that’s the end of it.”

Other calls received from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5

Jan. 30: Firefighters returning from a call spotted a column of smoke in the 300 block of North Best Road. They found a vehicle fully involved in flames. Anyone with information on the fire is asked to call the department at (509) 928-1700.

Sunday: The back tires on a semitruck caught fire on Interstate 90 at Stateline. Kootenai County Fire also responded.

Tuesday: Fireplace ashes placed in a container on a table in a detached garage set the table on fire in the 20100 block of East Granit Lane.

Wednesday: A water main break was reported in the 12600 block of East 40th Avenue.

Crews responded to the 7400 block of East Sprague Avenue on a report of a child with his finger stuck in a cup holder. Firefighters dismantled the console and freed the child.

By the numbers: Crews responded to 273 calls, including 216 emergency medical services calls. The calls included two chimney fires, a dryer fire, a construction debris fire and 25 car accidents.