Cause of Sunday’s brush fire undetermined
Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager
Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 10:50 a.m.
Investigators with the Spokane Fire Department’s (SFD) Special Investigation Unit are unable to determine the cause of a brush fire that started in the 2900 block W. Broad Ave.
The fire started just after 2 p.m. on Sunday in a wooded back lot near several homes. Fire crews were able to quickly contain the fire before damage was caused to any nearby structures. No injuries were reported.
With the warm, dry weather conditions it is always a good reminder to follow a few wildfire safety tips as seen in this video and listed below:
- Clear away pine needles, leaves and anything that can burn from roofs, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines so falling embers have nothing to burn.
- Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.
- Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
- Remove flammable materials or anything that can act as a large fuel source within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds.
- Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
- Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
- Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
- Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
- Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
- Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
