SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Valley firefighters work to put out 30-foot flames and are gifted in an unexpected way.
Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded to a call for 30ft open-air flames on East Montgomery at around 5AM Tuesday.
Around 10 units responded to the report, and additional units from the Department of Ecology and Water District 6 were called to assist to assess the potential damage and run-off.
An employee of Sunshine Disposal called in and described to SVFD that the fire was 50 tons of commercial waste with unknown contents.
Firefighters that are cross trained in heavy equipment were tasked with simultaneously attacking the flame, while using Sunshine’s loaders to separate the garbage.
With cold and slick conditions crew members struggled to safely put this out.
Understanding the difficult conditions, Sunshine disposal company stepped up for SVFD. According to SVFD, Sunshine employees opened up their spaces and break rooms to keep them warm and even went as far to keep them energized with some hot coffee.
There were no reported injuries and no significant damage to the building.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but SVPD would like to remind people to not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Separating and recycling batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, is always the best option.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Check back for updates.
