Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Friday, March 24, 2023 at 9:17 a.m.
At 8:31 am on Thursday, March 23, 2023, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to a reported house fire with a person trapped inside on the 3900-block of N Wall St. First-arriving companies observed heavy smoke and fire emanating from a 1-1/2 story multi-family structure.
The first arriving crews, displaying exceptional bravery and skill, immediately entered the building to conduct a dynamic rescue of the trapped victim. Working seamlessly together, interior and exterior units coordinated to rescue the occupant through a tight window. Their heroic efforts resulted in the successful rescue of the occupant, demonstrating the dedication, teamwork, and professionalism of the Spokane Fire Department.
Subsequent crews stretched lines for fire control, searched the residence for any other occupants, and ventilated the roof to allow heat and fire gasses to escape. The fire presented significant challenges due to the conversion of the house into multiple apartments and the construction of the building. However, SFD crews overcame these obstacles, successfully locating and extinguishing the fire.
The house sustained significant damage and will be uninhabitable for some time. As a result, multiple families have been displaced and will receive assistance from the American Red Cross. The rescued occupant was injured during the incident and has been transported by a AMR unit to the hospital for treatment. No firefighters were injured on the scene.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation through coordinated efforts from the SFD Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and SPD Major Crimes Unit, and further information will be provided as it becomes available. The Spokane Fire Department would like to remind residents to ensure that they have working smoke alarms in their homes and to practice a home escape plan with their families.
