Illegal debris blazes among fire calls

Fourteen fires were among Spokane Valley Fire Department’s 176 calls between April 18 and 24.

One blaze involved a child playing with fire, spokesman Bill Clifford said. The child, whose age was unavailable, used flames from a gas barbecue to ignite a broom on Sunday. After setting the broom afire, he tried to make his toys go up in flames.

Firefighters also responded to several small blazes where people were illegally burning yard debris, which often happens this time of year, Clifford said. People need to call their local fire department or Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority at 477-4727, to find out when and where they can burn yard debris.

Among department’s 14 fires was the blaze at Apple Grove Apartments on Monday, Clifford said. The fire displaced more than 20 people who lived in the 16-unit building.

Firefighters also doused two brush fires – one at 12300 E. Marietta Ave. – and three car fires, Clifford said.

Crews responded to 20 motor vehicle crashes during the time period, Clifford said. Nine patients were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department also responded to 130 emergency medical calls.