Illegal firework blamed in Vancouver house fire
Investigators are looking for a white teenage boy in a white T-shirt who was seen setting off the firework.
The fire was reported about
"A neighbor was looking out a front window and noticed a 14-year-old white male walk into the middle of the street. He lit a bottle rocket and shot it off,"
"The neighbor was going to tell the kid to clean up mess," Scarpelli said.
The juvenile was gone by the time the neighbor got outside and saw that bushes next to the house at
All occupants were safely out of the house when
"The firefighters had to pull down two-thirds of the ceiling in the interior," Scarpelli said.
Damages were estimated at about
The house is not habitable; the
Someone who sets off that sort of firework is subject to a
"It's past the window of being legal, and it's an illegal device on top of that," she said. And now, the property owner could pursue a civil action in court.
People with information are asked to call the
"I'd like to stress to the community: We have a recreational burn ban, and it's in place for a reason," she said.
Recreational burning is banned in
That means no campfires, outdoor fire pits or fireplaces, or portable fireplaces. Using gas and charcoal barbecues is OK, as are self-contained camp stoves.
The Friday fire will be part of the discussion at a city council fireworks workshop on
"We will have the 2015 report and possible policy options. The city council will explore the status quo, further limits, or a ban. I will be able to give more of a full report on the fireworks season."
Typically, Scarpelli said, the annual fireworks statistics cover a period from
"We have had outliers this year," she said.
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Police Briefs, 7/11/15
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