Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002
Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 2:58 p.m.
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
Narrative: On Saturday November 09, 2013 at 09:55 AM, 6 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 1 Senior Ladder, 4 Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue under direction of Battalion Chiefs Donahoe and Moline responded to a reported house fire. The first arriving Engine Company reported heavy fire involvement of a single story wood framed dwelling with potential victims inside. Police Officers were already on scene and attempting to search for occupants near the exits. The Responding Chief upgraded the incident to a working fire, adding another dedicated Ladder, an Ambulance and the on duty Fire Investigator. Companies were assigned to extinguish and confine the fire, vertically ventilate the roof and complete a thorough search of the building. No occupants were home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries reported by Firefighters or Civilians. Market Street was shut down for approximately 2 hours and companies remained on scene until 16:00 to overhaul the structure. The Red Cross was called to assist 1 adult female and 5 children with clothing and possible shelter requirements.
Cause: The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: There was extensive fire damage to the kitchen and living room with smoke damage throughout the rest of the home. Exterior fire damage occurred on two sides of the home and damage to the roof as well.
# Firefighters Responding: 22
Dollar Loss: $ 100,000.00
Other Agencies Responding: American Medical Response (AMR), Avista, and the Red Cross.
