Fire department’s ladder assist ends empty-handed for deputies

The Spokane Valley Fire Department often assists the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office when deputies need a ladder to reach a roof to look for evidence or arrest a hiding suspect. This week firefighters provided their services again.

Deputies requested assistance accessing an apartment balcony in the 1800 block of North Hutchinson Road on Jan. 16. They believed a woman wanted on nine felony warrants was inside, said Assistant Fire Marshal Bill Clifford. Deputies successfully made it inside the apartment, but the woman was not there, Clifford said.

Other calls from Jan. 16-22

Jan. 17: A Jeep Cherokee was reported on fire in the 10500 block of East 11th Avenue. The case is being investigated as arson.

Jan. 21: Arson dog Mako was sent to a coffee shop on Barker Road on an arson investigation after someone reportedly tried to burn the shop down. Samples were collected for testing and the investigation is ongoing.

By the numbers: The department responded to 224 calls, including 197 requests for emergency medical services. There was also a downed power line, several illegal trash fires, seven car accidents and one child locked inside a car.