Spokane Valley Fire Roundup: Brush fires and burn bans this week
The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to several brush fires during the week of July 16 to July 22.
Firefighters around 1:50 p.m. on July 22 responded to a brush fire on the 1600 block of Country Vista Boulevard. A vehicle trespassed into a field and was off-roading over an embankment when sparks from the car caught a section of brush on fire. Crews extinguished the slow-moving fire, which was about 50 feet away from a residence. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Liberty Lake Police Department both responded to the scene.
“This serves as an excellent reminder that cars and lawnmowers have started fires here in the last week,” said Melanie Rose, spokeswoman for the fire department. “Whenever you park or drive a vehicle over dry grass, there’s a pretty good chance it could catch fire.”
Outdoor fires – including fire pits and campfires – are restricted as of July 16 for the cities of Spokane Valley, Millwood and Liberty Lake, according to the department.
Other calls July 16 to July 22:
July 16: Crews responded to a call around 8:30 p.m. on the 1000 block of South Houk Road that reported a backyard fire pit burning behind a residence. When crews arrived at the scene, they informed the resident about the burn ban and told him to extinguish the fire. The resident was uncooperative, so crews extinguished the fire.
July 18: Firefighters responded to a vehicle-pedestrian collision around 5:30 p.m. on the 15900 block of East Sprague Avenue. A 17-year-old male was struck by a car that was traveling 20 mph and was thrown to the ground. The man was transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
July 22: Crews responded to a residential fire at 3:40 a.m. on the 10500 block of East 14th Avenue. A next-door neighbor reported the smell of smoke and an orange glow outside his window. When crews arrived to the scene, a home and yard were engulfed in flames. Crews extinguished the fire. The neighbor told firefighters the home on fire had been vacant for a long time. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson with $20,000 in estimated damages.
By the numbers: The Spokane Valley Fire Department during the week of July 16 to July 22 responded to 346 calls, including 35 fire calls, 12 alarm system responses, 262 emergency medical service calls, two extrication calls, one water rescue call, two hazardous materials calls, 25 motor vehicle calls and seven service calls.