Fireworks fire burns hedge, damages home’s siding in Vancouver Heights

An errant illegal firework reportedly roused neighbors and started a fire that did $20,000 in damage to a Vancouver Heights home Thursday night.

Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli said someone lit off a mortar-style firework around 10:15 p.m. Thursday in the street near the intersection of Lieser Road and St. Helens Avenue.

The arc of the shell sent it into a hedge at a nearby home, at 8401 St. Helens Ave., setting the hedge on fire, Scarpelli said.

The fire spread through the landscaping to the home’s vinyl siding, where it did an estimated $20,000 damage, she said.

Tim Sullivan, a neighbor, snapped a few photos and said the boom was big enough that it shook houses two doors down. Sullivan said he and another neighbor ended up breaking down a back door to rouse a woman inside the house.

Scarpelli said a culprit has not been identified.

“Right now, the Vancouver fire arson team is following up on leads, and anyone with any information with regards to this fire is encouraged to call the Vancouver Fire Department via 911,” she said.

Fireworks are illegal in Vancouver, and she added any criminal penalties may include a $500 civil fine.