Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002
Friday, December 6, 2013 at 2:41 p.m.
Incident #: 2013056850
Issuing Officer: BC Dave Haworth
Narrative: On Friday, December 6, at approximately 8:30 AM, the Spokane Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1503 E Rich with 2 ladders, 5 engines, 1 heavy rescue, and 2 battalion chiefs. Neighbors of the home called in the fire and said they could see smoke and flames coming from the single story family residence. SE15, located in the Hillyard neighborhood, arrived and reported heavy smoke coming from the approximately 1500 sq ft residence. After ensuring the occupants were out of the structure, SE15 advanced a pre-connected hose to attack the fire, which was located in the basement. Later arriving crews were assigned to secure a water supply, provide openings to remove the smoke from the structure, and advance additional hoses. The fire was extinguished within 20 minutes and crews spent several hours removing burned materials and checking for hot spots. The tenants are being assisted by the local American Red Cross as their home is uninhabitable. Traffic control was provided SPD units who blocked nearby intersections.
Cause: The cause of the fire in under investigation by the Spokane Fire Department Special Investigation Unit.
Damage: The basement was heavily damage with heat and smoke damage throughout the rest of the structure.
# Firefighters Responding: 26
Dollar Loss: $50000
Other Agencies Responding: AMR, Avista, SPD, American Red Cross
