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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Fire officials welcome uneventful Fourth

For a holiday that often combines alcohol and explosives, Spokane-area residents apparently were well behaved this Fourth of July.

Area fire and police agencies reported no serious holiday-related incidents.

“No fires and no significant injuries,” Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer, Spokane Fire Department spokesman, said in an email. “Great year for us and the community.”

Bill Clifford, Spokane Valley Fire Department spokesman, said they didn’t respond to any serious calls, either, though there were two or three arsons reported.

“We didn’t have any firework-related injuries or fires,” Clifford said. “It’s very nice.”

He said the lack of major injuries or incidents was likely due to the fact that the holiday fell in the middle of the week.

“That always plays a big factor,” he said.

He said they did not issue any citations but added, “That’s not saying that people are minding what the law states. It is amazing how many people still light fireworks.”

If someone is illegally lighting fireworks, officers will usually give them a warning, confiscate the fireworks and try to educate the offenders on the law. If people are uncooperative, however, they could be slapped with a $513 fine.

He did say there were two or three small arson fires Wednesday night, which authorities believe are connected to a string of fires set in Dumpsters behind businesses over the past couple weeks in the area of Sullivan Road and Sprague Avenue. He asks anyone with information regarding the arsons to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233 or the fire department at (509) 928-1700.

Despite the thousands that flocked to Riverfront Park for Fourth of July festivities, the Spokane Police Department responded to few calls.

“The park was actually all fairly quiet,” said Spokane police Officer John Gately. “They had a lot of calls last night, but nothing really significant.”