Illegal fireworks spark brush fire, threaten Renton apartment building [Video]

RENTON, Wash. – Fire officials are once again warning people about the dangers of illegal fireworks this 4th of July after a Renton apartment complex was put at serious risk.

Earlier Thursday afternoon, Renton firefighters were dispatched to a fast-spreading brush fire that threatened the safety of people living at the Heritage Hills Apartments.

“People playing with fireworks ignited a brush fire,” said a Renton Police Department spokesperson on social media. “Flames were within feet of the building before Renton Regional Fire Authority arrived to put the fire out.”

The fire forced the evacuation of the building and threatened nearby cars, including a Mustang belonging to Michael Mitchell.

“The flames just went straight up into the air,” said Mitchell. “It was so bad at one point I thought it was in my apartment.”

The father of a three-year-old lives on the top floor.

“I’m on the fourth floor,” he said. “I looked over and it was …