Faulty fuel system sets antique car on fire

A faulty fuel system led to the destruction of an antique car in Spokane Valley this week.

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews were called to the 2300 block of South Old Farm Lane on March 7 on the report of a car fire.

The car, a 1939 Ford Coupe, was started up and then turned off, said Assistant Fire Marshal Bill Clifford. It appears that some fuel sprayed and caught the engine on fire, he said. The owner was home at the time. “I think he tried using an extinguisher on it,” Clifford said.

The car sustained $30,000 in damage, but the garage it was parked in was nearly unscathed.

Other calls from March 6-12

March 6: A pedestrian using a crosswalk at 13500 E. 32nd Ave. was hit by a car and dragged about 25 feet. The woman sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Sunday: A camp fire was reported under the Sullivan Bridge over the Spokane River. No one was present when firefighters arrived and the fire was put out.

Wednesday: A camp fire was reported along the Centennial Trail near the Coyote Rock development. Firefighters found no one when they arrived to put the fire out.

By the numbers: Crews responded to 252 calls, including 220 emergency medical services calls. Other responses included a few trash fires, a stovetop kitchen fire, a telephone pole fire and nine car accidents.