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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane Valley fire roundup: Residents start fires despite burn ban

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews have been dealing with fires deliberately started by people in defiance of a nearly statewide burn ban, which started earlier than ever this year thanks to hot, dry weather.

A fire was reported under a bridge just east of Pines Road and south of Trent Avenue a little before 10 p.m. on July 19. Firefighters discovered what appeared to be a bonfire.

“They saw us coming, threw water on the fire and took off,” department spokeswoman Melanie Rose said.

A homeowner in the 18300 block of East Cowley Avenue had a large fire in a burn pit in his backyard on July 17. He had a pile of yard waste and was reluctant to put it out, Rose said. There were also two large dogs there.

“We didn’t actually go into the backyard because the dogs weren’t friendly,” Rose said. “He did have his garden hose and he finally agreed to put it out.”

On July 16, another homeowner in the 1800 block of North Glenbrook Road was burning vegetation in his backyard when the fire got away from him, burning into the yards of two neighboring homes and burning part of a vinyl fence.

“It’s dry out there and this is why we have a burn ban,” Rose said.

Other calls from July 13-19

July 13: A smoking electrical outlet was reported in a garage in the 3700 block of South Bolivar Lane. There was no fire when crews arrived, but there were burn marks on the wall.

July 15: A mechanical problem caused part of a semitruck car hauler to burst into flames on Interstate 90 just before 1 p.m. Crews reported heavy smoke and 10-foot-high flames coming from a rear axle when they arrived.

July 17: A car accident was reported at Eighth Avenue and Carnahan Road. A car hit a jersey barrier and then went into a yard, damaging a fence.

A teenager on a skateboard was hit by a car exiting the Liberty Lake Albertsons parking lot. The teen suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital by his parents for an evaluation.

July 18: An apartment resident at 13310 E. Mission Ave. fell asleep while food was on the stove. She was awoken by her smoke detector at 2:15 p.m. and she and her children were able to get out safely.

A small brush fire was reported along I-90 near Liberty Lake at 4 p.m.