An illegal firework thrown in a parking lot near Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway and Southwest Lombard Avenue ignited dry grass and sparked a small fire that required a Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue response, Beaverton police said.

A 19-year-old man was cited for possession of illegal fireworks and reckless burning after police identified him as the person who lit and threw the device. The firework exploded as a vehicle drove past, sending sparks into a nearby field, according to Beaverton police.

The man and his friends called 911 to report the fire but left the scene before crews arrived. TVF&R firefighters extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Police announced the citation Monday, July 14.

Beaverton police warned in a statement: "If you choose to use illegal fireworks, you can be held criminally responsible for the consequences."

TVF&R has posted an active burn ban on its website, reflecting hot, dry conditions across the Tualatin Valley as of mid-July.

Detectives seek additional victims in rape indictment

In a separate case, a 24-year-old Portland man was indicted Wednesday, July 15, in Washington County on a charge of raping a woman after offering her a ride home, according to KPTV.

Beaverton police detectives believe the suspect may have additional victims in the Portland and Salem areas. The suspect's name was not immediately available from court records. He remains in custody at the Washington County Jail.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Beaverton Police Department at 503-629-0111 or through beavertonpolice.org.