Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, January 3, 2022 at 8:25 a.m.
On December 29, 2021, at approximately 9:23 PM, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) and automatic aid units from the Spokane County Fire District 9 responded to the 6900 block of N Wiscomb St on a report of a commercial structure fire. Spokane Engine 18 arrived just minutes after dispatch and reported heavy smoke emanating from the attic. Engine 18 immediately initiated an interior fire attack. Other companies arrived quickly on the scene to support extinguishment and to conduct a search of the interior to ensure no one was inside. Tower 2 made access to the roof to assist with ventilation.
Due to the volume of fire and complexity of the building, a second alarm was called to ensure adequate resources arrived on the scene to mitigate the incident successfully. The bulk of the fire was concentrated on the second floor and in the attic. The fire was contained to four units and was extinguished within 50 minutes of the first fire crews arriving on the scene. The roof assembly and top floor of the apartments sustained significant damage as a result of the fire.
14 fire apparatus responded to fight the fire. Two residents suffered minor smoke inhalation; no firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the SFD Special Investigation Unit (SIU).
Educational Message: Electrical work should be done only by a qualified professional. If you are having recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, experiencing a tingling feeling when you touch an electric appliance, or have flickering lights, call a qualified professional. Major appliances (such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers, window air conditioning units, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords should not be used for major appliances, as they can easily overheat and start a fire. Small appliances should be plugged directly into wall outlets when in use and unplugged when not in use. Wall outlets and light switches should be covered with plates to prevent shocks. Replace wall outlets if plugs-ins do not fit snugly in the outlet. Only buy appliances and other electronics that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. This is especially important to be mindful of when shopping online. Be sure to check electrical cords often. Cords that are cracked, damaged, or loose should be replaced.
