Brush Fires Blamed On Passing Trains

Thu., June 25, 1998

From Staff

Trains are suspected of sparking two separate strings of brush fires in southern Spokane County on Wednesday, authorities said.

No one was hurt in the blazes, and no buildings were destroyed.

The first set of fires began about 11:40 a.m. when a train rolled by the intersection of state Highway 27 and Dishman-Mica Road, officials from Fire District 8 said.

Sparks from the train’s wheels apparently started small blazes along a half-mile stretch of track. The flames were extinguished by firefighters from District 8 and the state Department of Natural Resources.

The second string began about 12:15 p.m. when a train passed through the community of Marshall on Cheney-Spokane Road, officials said.

That train is suspected of starting nearly a dozen fires, all of which were contained by early evening.

Natural Resources officials are investigating both incidents.

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