SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) warned the public on Tuesday about a commonly overlooked residential hazard after crews responded to a fire in the bathroom of a local motel that was sparked by the exhaust fan in the ceiling.
The department was notified about the fire quickly after it ignited, and SVFD officials reported that firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it spread into the motel’s attic and potentially led to much more severe damage.
“Bathroom exhaust fans can become a fire hazard when left running for long periods of time. Fans can overheat and ignite surrounding materials, so make sure to turn them off when they’re not in use,” SVFD officials said. “Don’t leave them running ‘just for a few extra minutes.’”…