Fire roundup: Liberty Lake house lost after cigarette starts blaze
The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to several calls the week of July 23 to Aug. 5, involving brush fires and assisting with extinguishing a large house fire in Liberty Lake.
Spokane Valley firefighters responded to the house fire on July 29 around 8:15 p.m. to assist Liberty Lake Station 3 crews. When firefighters arrived to the scene on the 1300 block of South Wright Boulevard, the home was fully engulfed in flames.
The fire originated from an outside deck of the home and extended to the interior. Crews managed to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring homes. The homeowner was able to safely evacuate.
Investigators said the fire was caused by cigarettes that weren’t fully put out in a plastic container on the deck. The house was a complete loss with more than $280,000 in estimated damages.
Other calls July 23 to Aug. 5:
July 23: A 55-year-old man riding a bicycle was struck by a car pulling out of a parking lot on the 13700 block of East Sprague Avenue. Crews arrived at the scene around 8:15 p.m. and found the man conscious, but on the ground complaining of wrist and body pain. He was treated for injuries at the scene.
July 24: Crews responded to a call about 2:15 p.m. reporting a camper on fire. Firefighters arrived to 4700 block of North Conklin Road and observed a camper sitting on camper jacks about 4 feet away from a home with a power cord attached to the trailer. Crews extinguished the fire in the camper.
July 25: Firefighters responded to a fire at about 12:20 a.m. on the 5000 block of East Sprague Avenue. A Walmart security guard reported a small fire near the railroad tracks. Crews gained access to the property and found a railroad tie smoldering with no apparent cause of ignition. They extinguished the fire and notified BNSF.
Aug 1: Crews were dispatched to the 13500 block of East Heroy Avenue about 10 a.m. to assist with a residential lock out. A resident accidentally locked herself out of her home with her toddler sleeping in a crib. Firefighters were able to gain access to the home and unlock the door for the resident.
Aug 3: Firefighters around 12:15 a.m. responded to a fire at the Aspen Grove Apartments on the 12000 block of East Fourth Avenue. An apartment occupant reported that the leasing office was on fire. When crews arrived at the scene, they observed a planter on fire next to the office. They extinguished the fire.
By the numbers: The Spokane Valley Fire Department from July 23 to Aug. 5 responded to 656 calls, including 58 fire calls, 37 alarm system responses, 506 emergency medical responses, one extrication, one rescue task force call, eight hazardous material investigation calls, 35 motor vehicle collisions and 10 service calls.