Fire roundup: Crews find resident burning dresser in backyard fire pit

The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to several calls from Oct. 8 to Oct. 21, many of which involved unauthorized fires started by residents.

The fire department announced that outdoor recreational burn restrictions were lifted Oct. 12, meaning residents can burn seasoned dry firewood.

But, many residents were burning yard debris or other items.

Firefighters responded to a call Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. on the 10400 block of East 14th Avenue involving an illegal burn. Crews arrived on the scene and found a resident was burning a dresser in a backyard burn pit. They advised the resident he can burn only seasoned dry firewood.

On Oct. 20, crews were called about 5 p.m. to the 8000 block of East Marietta Avenue where they observed an outdoor fire pit being used for burning yard debris. Firefighters informed the resident that burning yard debris is not permitted.

That same day, crews responded to a call on the 5900 block of East 10th Avenue reporting unauthorized burning. When firefighters arrived about 5 p.m., they found a young couple enjoying a warming fire in their backyard. The fire was in compliance with burn rules.

Other calls Oct. 8-21

Oct. 9: Firefighters responded to a call about 10:30 p.m. reporting a smoke smell at a residence on the 13700 block of East 21st Avenue. When crews arrived at the home, the resident said the strange smell was from a motor in a box fan. Crews using a thermal imaging camera didn’t find any signs of heat, smoke or fire, but found the fan motor was very hot. They advised the resident to place the fan outside and discard it in the morning.

Oct. 10: Crews responded to a two-car collision at the intersection of Mullan Road and Sprague Avenue about 1:30 p.m. A 64-year-old woman driving a Dodge Caravan struck the side of a Chevy van, causing the van to flip onto its side. Firefighters blocked three lanes of westbound traffic on Sprague Avenue and a northbound lane on Mullan Road. The woman was transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The other driver, a 28-year-old man, was wearing a seat belt and refused medical care.

Oct. 12: Firefighters responded about 5 p.m. to the 2800 block of South Blake Road for a report of a pedestrian-vehicle accident. A 59-year-old man was struck by a car traveling at low speed and was thrown to the ground. When crews arrived on the scene, they found a man laying in the middle of the street. Crews used a fire engine to block the scene. The man was transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Oct. 15: Firefighters responded at 11:45 p.m. to a vehicle lockout at 2421 N. Discovery Place. Two children were locked inside a vehicle, which wasn’t running. Crews attempted to unlock the car, but were unsuccessful. They called a locksmith to unlock the vehicle.

Oct. 18: Crews responded to a hit-and-run collision involving a pedestrian at 8:15 a.m. on the 24800 block of East Mission Avenue near North Country Vista Road in Liberty Lake. Paramedics found a 61-year-old woman unconscious in the street in the care of bystanders. Firefighters assessed the woman’s multiple injuries, and she was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The woman later died from injuries. A suspect in the hit-and-run has been arrested and is facing a charge of vehicular homicide.

Oct. 21: Firefighters responded to a fire at Trentwood Elementary around 4 p.m. The initial call stated there was a portable on fire, which was assumed to be a portable classroom and the fire was upgraded to bring more resources to the scene. However, once the first arriving unit saw smoke coming from a portable bathroom, the fire was quickly extinguished before burning a side of the school. Crews ensured the fire didn’t spread into the school. The portable toilets were rented by a youth sports league, which used the field for practices and games. The fire is under investigation as arson. The fire department is asking anyone with information to call (509) 928-1700.

By the numbers: The Spokane Valley Fire Department from Oct. 8-21, responded to 620 calls, including 35 fire calls, 35 alarm system responses, 480 emergency medical service calls, one extrication, one water rescue, 11 hazardous material investigation calls, 52 motor vehicle collisions and five service calls.