Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 8:15 a.m.
At approximately 5:22 PM on January 3, 2023, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) responded to the 2800 Block of West Rowan Avenue on a report of an appliance fire. Initial reports from Fire Dispatch stated that the caller described flames from their oven and that a smoke alarm was activating. The first company arrived less than four minutes after dispatch and observed moderate smoke from the front door and flames visible through the living room window of a one-story single-family home with a non-egress basement.
The fire was immediately upgraded from an appliance fire to a working structure fire to ensure adequate resources responded. Four occupants escaped before Fire Department's arrival. Firefighters entered the structure to begin a coordinated fire attack and search of the home to ensure all occupants were safely out. Simultaneously, crews were positioned to ventilate the structure to improve conditions and remove heat if needed. Moderate heat and fire conditions were discovered on the main floor, with fire spreading through the kitchen into the living room. The fire was contained to the area of origin within 5 minutes after arrival. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Spokane Fire Special Investigation Unit.
Probable Cause:
Educational Message: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. Stay alert when you are frying, broiling, grilling, or boiling food. Keep things that can catch on fire away from the stovetop. Maintain a 3-foot, kid and pet-free zone around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are being prepared.
