Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002
Monday, August 26, 2013 at 10 p.m.
Narrative: A night time fire damaged two Duplexes and left a city block without electrical power in the Logan Neighborhood. Engine 2 from the North Foothills fire station was the first company to arrive at a large fire located at 2514 N Denver St. At little before 10:00 PM, (August 26th), 5 companies were dispatched after the Fire Department received multiple 911 calls. Engine 2's officer reported a large amount of fire in the back alley behind the above address. The fire had already engulfed an attached carport, a vehicle and two separate duplexes were burning. Engine 2's firefighters immediately stretched a large 2.5 inch hose line down the alley and started attacking the fire, while working to control the fire spread to adjacent units. Engine 2's officer also reported numerous “downed” electrical wires that had fallen after exposure to the flames.
Additional arriving apparatus and crews were immediately put to work upon their arrival. Two companies of firefighters were assigned to search 4 duplex units as area residents reported to firefighters that people were inside. The search group did not find any civilian victims, but did find a dog that had succumbed to smoke inhalation. Fallen electrical wires provided additional safety challenges at this incident. Nevertheless, the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes. Fire crews were kept on scene throughout the night and investigators will be working to determine fire cause this morning. The local Red Cross is assisting 4 displaced residents and Avista assured us that they would work to restore electrical service to the area.
Cause: The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: The duplex unit addressed 2514 N. Denver St. was heavily damaged by smoke and fire. All other addresses affected by this fire received minor smoke, fire or water damage. The carport and a vehicle in the carport were a total loss.
# Firefighters Responding: 29
Dollar Loss: $75,000
Other Agencies Responding: Avista, American Medical Response
