Stove using propane tank prompts call for smoke

A makeshift stove in a garage prompted an apartment resident to call 911 to report smoke in the 1800 block of North Hutchinson Road on Feb. 21.

Someone took a propane tank, cut the top off and attached a chimney to create the stove, said Spokane Valley Fire Department Assistant Fire Marshal Bill Clifford. The stove was left burning in a detached garage and a neighbor spotted the smoke, he said.

The stove did not ignite the garage, but its use was ill-advised, Clifford said. “It’s definitely not approved.”

Other calls from Feb. 20-26

Feb. 21: Someone looking at the Dishman Hills from a distance while using binoculars called to report seeing fire and smoke. Nothing was found when firefighters arrived.

Feb. 26: Crews responded to a reported stabbing in the 3500 block of South Woodward Road.

By the numbers: Crews responded to 281 calls, including 220 emergency medical services calls. The calls included 36 car accidents, several broken sprinkler pipes, two children locked inside cars, a downed power line and a broken water main.