Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002
Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 10 a.m.
Narrative: On Saturday August 31, 2013 the Spokane Fire Department responded to a report of a man in the Spokane River at the area known as the Devil's toe-nail. The victim was located approx 20 feet from the east side of the river hanging onto a large rock in the middle of some swift rapids. Shore base crews were positioned to retrieve the victim if he were to let go while units of the Spokane and Spokane Valley Water Rescue Teams launched their Kayaks. The Kayak crews were able to successfully rescue the victim and delivered him to personnel on shore. The rescued rafter was not injured and did not require any medical treatment.
Cause: The preliminary information appears to indicate that the cause was accidental and related to smoking materials.
Damage: The main area of damage was successfully isolated to a second floor bedroom with smoke damage throughout the second floor.
# Firefighters Responding: 25
Dollar Loss: N/A
Other Agencies Responding: Spokane Valley Water Rescue, SV22
