Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 4:20 p.m.
Inccident #: 2013051658
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bruce Moline
Narrative: On Tuesday, November 5th, 2013 at 8:27 A.M. the Spokane Fire Department responded to 17th and Perry on a report of a vehicle that had collided into a home with a resulting natural gas leak. Engine 14 from their station location of 18th and Ray was first on the scene and found a small sedan that had struck a natural gas meter on the side of a house in the 1600 block of South Perry. The driver of the vehicle was standing outside and was not injured. The Spokane Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team along with other supporting companies made a rapid assessment to determine if there were any other injuries and to make sure all the occupants were out of the nearby home. It was quickly found that no one was home inside the structure and there were no additional injuries. At the same time this was being confirmed, the Haz Mat Team shut off the gas at the meter and removed the still running vehicle from this location. Avista responded and made sure the gas was secured and monitored the neighboring area for any signs of migrating natural gas. It appears the driver of the vehicle lost control and skidded on the snow covered street. The vehicle was traveling westbound on 17th and was approaching Perry. The scene was turned over to Avista where they continued to monitor the area until permanent repairs could be made.
Cause: Vehicle lost control on a snow covered street.
Damage: Front end vehicle damage and damage to natural gas meter.
# Firefighters Responding: 18
Dollar Loss: $10,000
Other Agencies Responding: Spokane Police Department, Avista Gas Division
