Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 1:59 p.m.
Tuesday, May 25, just after 04:00 this morning the Spokane Fire Department, along with automatic aid partner Fire District 9, responded to the 4000 Block of West Rowan Ave on a report of a possible apartment fire. Fire units arrived to find a 3 story apartment with a room and contents fire on a second floor apartment.
?The cause of the fire was determined by Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit to be a candle left burning overnight that caused the container to break and ignited a mattress and other combustibles in the area. It appeared that no working smoke detectors were in the apartment.
Fire damage was contained to the room of origin with some smoke and water damage throughout the apartment. Two occupants (one adult and one minor) were transported in stable condition to area hospital for smoke inhalation. The juvenile occupant discovered the fire, called 911 and notified nearby neighbors of the danger.
When using candles, place them in sturdy, safe candle holders that will not burn or tip over. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not move or touch a candle while the flame is burning, or when the wax is melted. Keep candles at least 12 inches from materials that can burn and never leave a candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.
Working smoke alarms save lives, cutting the risk of dying in a home fire in half (NFPA). Smoke alarms should be installed in every room used for sleeping, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test your smoke alarm once a month. Make sure everyone in your home understands the sound the smoke alarm makes, and knows what to do when activated.
