Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager
Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 1:14 p.m.
Just before 6:30 PM on Friday evening (12/22/17), SFD along with assistance from Spokane Fire District 9, responded to the 6600 North block of Winston Drive to a report of a residential structure fire. Initial details from fire dispatch described a residence on fire with occupants trapped inside. The first company arrived within minutes and reported heavy smoke and fire conditions from the front of the house with smoke emitting from the eave lines of the home. The firefighters encountered the homeowner in the rear of the residence. Upon meeting with him, he became combative and struck a SFD Lieutenant in the face with a large mug. The assault occurred in the initial stage of the fire and required assistance from a number of firefighters to restrain and care for the victim. The victim was moved to an ambulance where he subsequently assaulted two more firefighters and was eventually transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
The fire’s progress was mitigated within twenty minutes and successfully extinguished within an hour. The fire damaged the home’s living room and kitchen areas significantly. Additionally, moderate damage is present to the ceiling joists and roof rafters of the home due to the fire’s extension into the attic.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The victim has been charged with assault and details surrounding the event remain a part of the investigation.
