Fire crews respond to blaze at WVHS

Illegal burns and inattention to motorcyclist were Spokane Valley Fire officials’ biggest concerns during the last two weeks.

“If you don’t know about regulations for backyard fire pits, please call fire officials for information,” said spokesman Bill Clifford.

Crews responded to 22 fires between May 30 and June 13; six of those were illegal fires at homes, Clifford said. Two other fires turned into arson investigations at Spokane Valley schools, Bowdish Middle School and West Valley High School.

The high school fire was caused by someone setting a trash can ablaze in a girls’ locker room, Clifford said. Firefighters responded about 8:30 p.m. on June 7 and quickly doused the flames.

On June 4, firefighters went to the middle school for a blaze on the school’s roof, Clifford said. The damage was minimal.

Another arson occurred at 625 S. McKinnon St. at a vacant house, Clifford said. It remains under investigation.

Valley Fire crews went out on 41 vehicles crashes during the 14-day period, several of which involved motorcyclists. Clifford said with the nicer weather, the bikes are out on the road and motorists need to be more cautious.

During the 14-day period Valley firefighters responded to 376 calls, including 282 medical emergencies, 14 false alarms, seven hazardous material calls and one call to get a baby out of a locked car.