Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, June 26, 2023 at 8:44 a.m.
On June 25, 2023, at 6:43 PM, the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) was dispatched to the report of a wildland fire located near Overlook Park in Spokane's Historic Browne's Addition. 911 callers described the fire as initially 20 feet by 10 feet in size and located mid-slope below several large homes on the bluff. As fire companies responded to the area, they quickly realized from the large plume of smoke that the fire was progressing swiftly. One of the SFD's Alternative Response Units was in the immediate area and able to scout the fire, request additional resources and manage the initial tactics of the incident to protect seven structures on the bluff that were immensely threatened due to large amounts of brush and ladder fuel between the homes and the raging fire.
First-arriving firefighters deployed hose lines to protect the historic homes from the approaching fire. While extremely difficult due to the terrain and heavy brush, this first action saved the homes. As additional SFD resources arrived, firefighters established anchor points below the fire on the hillside and, despite the extreme terrain, were successful in cutting firelines by hand to contain the fire. The fire's forward progress was stopped in 20 minutes and was 100% contained within an hour.
Overlook Park is identified as one of many Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas in the City of Spokane. WUI areas are located at the interface between urban developments and wildland environments, such as forests, grasslands, or shrublands. This proximity increases the likelihood of fires occurring in these areas, presenting an intense tactical challenge for firefighters and our community. While yesterday's incident was managed quickly and resulted in no property or loss of life, it does emphasize the need for proactive measures such as community involvement, early warning, evacuation planning, and appropriate land management practices to mitigate the risks associated with WUI fires.
To learn more:
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): The NFPA offers a variety of resources on wildfire safety and preparedness. Their website includes articles, guides, fact sheets, and standards related to WUI fire safety. Visit their website at: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire
Firewise USA: Firewise USA is a program developed by the NFPA that provides practical guidance to homeowners and communities to reduce the risk of wildfire damage. Their website offers information on creating defensible space, home hardening, community planning, and more. Visit their website at: https://www.firewise.org/
United States Fire Administration (USFA): The USFA provides information and resources on various fire-related topics, including WUI fire safety. Their website offers publications, fact sheets, and guidance on wildfire preparedness and mitigation. Visit their website at: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/wildland.html
