Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 11:32 p.m.
Incident #: 2013054106#
Issuing Officer: Battalion Chief Bill Donahoe
Narrative: On Tuesday November 19, 2013 at 07:12 PM, 3 Engines, 1 Pumper Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue along with 2 Battalion Chiefs and the Assistant Chief responded to a reported structure fire in the West Central neighborhood. The Assistant Chief was just a few blocks away driving home when the call came in. He arrived on scene and reported a 2 story home with fire and heavy black smoke showing out of the gable vent of the roof. The fire was upgraded to a working fire with another Senior Ladder and another Engine added to the call to assist at the labor intensive incident. Unclear reports from neighbors on the scene portrayed the possibility of people still inside the home. Companies were assigned to search the home along with confining and extinguishing the fire, ventilating the roof and protecting an exposed home to the west. The completed search of the home confirmed the four adults and one child had made it out safely. The knockdown of the fire occurred within 30 minutes.
Companies remained on scene until 10:00 PM overhauling the fire on the 2nd floor and attic voids. From 10:00 PM till after midnight an Engine Company remained on scene to confirm there were not any remaining hot spots. One Fire Fighter sustained a minor muscular skeletal injury by falling debris but is not seeking medical attention at this time. No injuries to the occupants or their pets were reported. The occupants are being assisted by the Red Cross for clothing and shelter needs at this time.
Cause: The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time by the Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: There was major structural damage to the second floor walls and roof along with wiring damage from the fire. Avista disconnected the gas and power to the home. The home was declared inhabitable.
# Firefighters Responding: 25
Dollar Loss: $ 70,000.00
Other Agencies Responding: AMR, Avista, and Red Cross.
