VANCOUVER, Wash. -- A firework shot off illegally near a garage sparked a fire that caused hundeds of thousands of dollars worth of damage to a Vancouver home on Friday, according to the Vancouver Fire Department.
Fire crews said they received the call just after 6:30 p.m., and a column of black smoke could be seen for miles from the home, located around NE 112th Ave. & NE 28th St. VFD spokesman Jim Flaherty said the fire was caused by someone shooting off a firework that ricocheted into the garage, which was filled with combustibles.
Flames spread from the garage into the home, causing significant damage. Fire investigators estimate the total damage to be about $210,000.
While no one was injured, four people were displaced because of the fire. A dog belonging to the family has died, and a cat is missing.
"It's illegal to discharge fireworks in Vancouver at this time of the year," Flaherty said. "I think everyone learned a tragic lesson here today."
It hasn't been determined yet whether a citation will be issued.
