Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 1:34 p.m.
Narrative: On August 13, 2013 at 13:34 p.m. 6 companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 heavy rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline were dispatched to a reported attic fire in a 4 unit apartment building. Spokane Ladder and Engine 2 from the Logan neighborhood arrived within 4 minutes of being dispatched to find smoke emitting from both gable roof vents of the 2 story apartment building. The responding Chief upgraded the incident at this time to a working fire which brought a dedicated ladder and also called for another engine company to assist with this incident. Companies were assigned to locate and extinguish the fire, search for occupants, water supply and possible roof ventilation. Interior companies quickly located the smoldering fire in the attic of the affected unit and were able to extinguish and prevent further extension to the 3 adjoining units. All the occupants made it out safely and there were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. The affected apartment unit is uninhabitable until structural repair can be made to the roof trusses, along with damage to the ceiling and wiring in the attic. One adult occupant is seeking shelter with the Red Cross until the repairs can be made.
Cause: The Special Investigation unit has determined that the attic fire was caused by faulty wiring.
Damage: Moderate damage to the roof trusses, ceiling assembly and wiring of 2405 N. Cincinnati. No damage was reported to the three other attached Apartments.
# Firefighters Responding: 25
Dollar Loss: $10,000
Other Agencies Responding: Avista, Red Cross
