Brian Schaeffer, Fire Chief, 509.625.7001
Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 8:57 p.m.
Smoking appears to be the cause of a fire that heavily damaged two apartment units at a northwest Spokane building Saturday evening. No one was injured and damage was estimated at $100,000.
First arriving crews to the building at 840 W. Cora reported heavy fire showing from the top floor of an occupied three-story apartment complex about 5 pm. Fire had extended into the attic from the two apartment unit balconies that were on fire.
Firefighters brought the fire under control within 45 minutes, but the two top-floor apartment units sustained heavy damage along the wall. An adjacent unit also had damage to a wall and the ceiling.
Approximately 10 tenants were displaced by the fire and received aid from the Red Cross. SCRAPS assisted tenants with pets.
The fire remains under investigation, but the cause appears to be smoking related. The Spokane Fire Department reminded people to make sure they have working smoke detectors in their homes.
