Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 4:02 p.m.
At approximately 12:30 PM today, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was alerted to smoke coming from a residence located in the 2800-block of North Lincoln Street. Within minutes, SFD firefighters arrived on the scene and observed smoke coming from the front of the house and multiple windows.
Firefighters quickly initiated fire control operations, searching the residence for any occupants and ventilating the house to allow heat and fire gases to escape. The fire was contained to one room, and no injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters. SFD firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading beyond the point of origin.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the SFD's Special Investigation Unit. Initial findings by the Incident Commander suggest that the fire may have been caused by electrical problem, but the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind the community to exercise caution when dealing with electrical appliances and devices. All electrical work should be done by qualified professionals. If you are experiencing recurring problems with your electrical system or devices, such as blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, tingling sensations when touching an electrical appliance, or flickering lights, please contact a qualified professional for assistance. It is important to plug major appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers, and window air conditioning units, directly into a wall outlet, and to avoid using extension cords for these devices as they can overheat and start a fire. Small appliances should also 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, and outlets that do not fit plugs snugly should be replaced. When purchasing appliances or electronics, be sure to choose items listed by a qualified testing laboratory, especially when shopping online. Finally, regularly inspect your electrical cords for damage, cracks, or loose connections, and replace them as needed to avoid potential hazards.
The Spokane Fire Department encourages all community members to be vigilant and prioritize fire safety in their daily lives.
