Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, August 15, 2022 at 9:39 a.m.
Just after midnight on Sunday, August 14th, 2022, companies from the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) were dispatched to a structure fire at 403 South Pittsburgh in Spokane's East Central neighborhood. SFD communication specialists received a call reporting a bedroom fire in a duplex. SFD companies were on the scene within six minutes of the alarm being dispatched.
Arriving companies found smoke and flames emanating from a bedroom at the back of the duplex. Firefighters focused on extinguishing the advancing room and contents fire while simultaneously searching and evaluating the structure's interior for possible occupants. Due to the rapid attack on the bedroom fire and coordinated vertical ventilation of the roof, SFD crews successfully prevented fire extension beyond what was found upon arrival. However, the home's interior ultimately sustained fire damage to the bedroom and significant smoke damage to the entire interior.
There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.
The SFD Special Investigation Unit (SIU) was on the scene to determine the cause of the fire. The fire's cause was determined to be an occupant burning a letter in her bedroom, rapidly spreading fire to adjacent areas.
The structure's estimated value is $400,000, and damage was limited to approximately $50,000.
Red Cross was called and provided lodging for five displaced tenants.
Safety Reminder: Plan and practice your home fire escape plan. Always sleep with your bedroom door shut. There should be two ways out of any room used for sleeping. Children, older adults, and people with access or functional needs require additional help to wake up and get out. Have an agreed-upon meeting place outside, a safe distance from your home where firefighters can easily find you. Remember, smoke and heat rise, so stay low to the ground when exiting the house.
