Improperly discarded smoking materials to blame for early morning fire

Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager

Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 1:52 p.m.

Fire investigators say improperly discarded smoking materials caused this morning’s fire at a commercial building.

At approximately 5:47 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department responded to the 3800 block of E. Boone Ave. on a report of a commercial structure fire.

The first arriving engine company reported smoke and flames visible from the exterior of the building and extending inside. Firefighters immediately initiated fire attack on the exterior. Additional crews gained entry into the structure to check for fire extension and conducted a search of the interior to ensure no one was inside.

Crews contained the fire to the exterior of the building and extinguished it within 5 minutes of the first fire crews arriving on scene.

No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the community about some important safety tips related to smoking.

  • Put cigarettes out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they won’t tip over and start a fire.
  • Put cigarettes out completely. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to ensure they are out before they are properly discarded.
  • Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medications that cause drowsiness.
  • Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire.
  • Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.
  • Smoke outside. Many things in a home or business can ignite if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes.