Two north side structure fires

Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002

Sunday, December 29, 2013 at 9:28 a.m.

Incident #: 2013060920

Issuing Officer: Craig Cornelius/Battalion Chief

Narrative: On Saturday, December 28, 2013, a little after 9:00 PM, the Spokane Fire Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call for a house fire located at 3017 E. Rowan. Callers reported fire in a single story residence with smoke coming from the eaves and roof of the home. Fire Dispatchers diverted Ladder 2 from a nearby medical call and assigned it to this incident along with 5 other apparatus. Ladder 2's crew arrived on scene within 3 minutes, reported a working fire and went to work. Command was assumed by a Battalion Chief arriving shortly after Ladder 2. Ladder 2's personnel verified everyone was out of the home by speaking with bystanders and performing a search of the structure. Engine 8 applied the first water on the fire with the additional incoming resources coordinated into the fire attack. This fire was controlled within 10 minutes of Ladder 2's arrival, but crews spent several hours removing burned material from the home and checking for hot spots.

Shortly after 10:47 PM, another fire was reported at an apartment complex located at 6901 N. Wiscomb. Eight apparatus, most having just worked at the Rowan fire were now responding to this incident. Engine 18, the first to arrive, reported fire and smoke showing from the eave line on the north side of the building. Engine crews advanced hose lines to two of the upper units. They found fire in a common wall between the two apartments and in the attic above the wall. Occupants were evacuated, followed by a search of the building's four apartment units to verify everyone was safe. Firefighters had the fire controlled within 20 minutes, but continued to work for several hours making sure the fire was out. The fire originated in a second floor wall with the cause being electrical in nature. The building sustained fire damage in two of the upstairs apartments and a portion of the attic. One family of 3 has been displaced.

Cause:

  • Rowan Fire: Wood stove
  • Wiscomb Fire: Electrical.

Damage:

  • Rowan Fire: Three rooms and a portion of the attic.
  • Wiscomb Fire: Common Wall in two apartments and a portion of the ceiling/attic.

# Firefighters Responding: 27

Dollar Loss: $ 35000

Other Agencies Responding: AMR