Trench rescue crews from the Spokane Valley and Spokane Fire Departments rescue a man from a partially collapsed trench. Photo courtesy the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department got a routine call for a fall with injuries Monday at 7:20 p.m. in the 500 block of North Flora. But when they arrived they discovered a man at the bottom of a partially collapsed trench that had been dug for a water line hookup. Specially trained trench rescue teams from Spokane Valley Fire and Spokane Fire responded to shore up the trench so the man could be rescued. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Any trench or hole deeper than four feet has to be shored up with special equipment before firefighters can enter because of the danger that the sides could collapse. Recent rains have made the dirt less stable than usual, raising the risk.

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