Fire damages northwest Spokane home

Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002

Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 9:45 a.m.

Incident #: 2014037201#

A fire early this morning at a northwest Spokane home sent one person to the hospital with minor injuries and displaced four adults.

Narrative: The Spokane Fire Department responded at 3:58 a.m. this morning to a reported structure fire with a possible trapped occupant in the basement of a single family residence at 5033 N. Greenwood Blvd. The first responding chief found the home emitting heavy dark smoke from the open garage door of the residence. An additional dedicated ladder company and engine were added to the response at this time. Companies attempted to access the basement to complete a search and extinguish the fire. Due to extreme heat, smoke and imminent flashover of the fire in the basement, companies retreated to the exterior of the structure. At this time it was confirmed that the male occupant had made it out the basement and was receiving treatment for smoke inhalation by S.F.D. and A.M.R. medics. The other three family members were uninjured and accounted for at a neighbor’s home. Companies at this time were assigned to knock down the fire from the exterior daylight basement windows and vertically ventilate the roof. After the fire conditions stabilized, companies moved inside to complete extinguishment, check for extension and overhaul the basement and first floor. Companies also searched the basement and first floor to confirm that all four occupants had been evacuated. Companies will remain on scene for fire watch, overhauling the fire scene well into the morning. The Red Cross is assisting four displaced adults, with the one occupant being treated at Holy Family for smoke inhalation. Avista has disconnected gas and power to the residence.

Cause: The Special Investigation Unit is actively investigating the fire scene and a cause has not been determined at this time.

Damage: There is extensive fire damage to the basement along with portions of the first floor. Heavy smoke damage occurred throughout the home along with damage to the roof from ventilation.

# Firefighters Responding: 26

Dollar Loss: $75,000

Other Agencies Responding: A.M.R. Ambulance, Red Cross and Avista