Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, June 26, 2023 at 8:50 a.m.
A well-advanced fire Sunday afternoon caused significant damage to a single-family home and sent two firefighters to local hospitals. Spokane firefighters were alerted to the fire at 3:33 pm and arrived at the scene at 3824 E. Broad Avenue five minutes later to find a significant volume of fire coming predominately from an attached garage, but also with moderate extension of fire into the living quarters of the structure. Although the first fire engine to arrive on the scene was delayed approximately 90 seconds due to the Wellesley underpass closure, they were fortunate to have the assistance of two additional firefighters from Spokane Fire’s Alternative Response Unit located at Station 15, and were able to quickly deploy two attack hose lines. The second-arriving fire engine company assisted in securing a supply line to a nearby fire hydrant and deploying additional hose lines to assist in knocking down the seat of the fire and providing a protection line for a search of the structure.
Due to unavailable information about the living status of the structure, firefighters from the first-arriving ladder truck company quickly performed a search of the living quarters finding no victims. Firefighters reported heavy smoke with near zero visibility and moderate heat conditions. Excessive clutter conditions were also reported to be a factor inside and around the general area of the property, causing some additional difficulties in getting hose lines deployed, and the constant concern of ensuring that lines do not get kinks in them.
Two firefighters were transported to local hospitals, one for heat exhaustion and one for a minor traumatic injury. No updates on their conditions are available at this time. Ambient air temperature at the time of the fire was in the mid-80s, and firefighters described a “wall of heat” felt even through their protective clothing as they exited their apparatus.
The fire is under investigation, but with the heavy amount of damage to the fire area of origin, including a structural collapse of the garage, determining a cause if possible, will be heavily dependent on witness interviews. It was noted that the house did not have any current electrical service. Although the structure is presumed to be considered a total loss, firefighters were successful at keeping the fire from spreading to an adjacent shop, with a value at over $100,000.
