Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Friday, June 30, 2023 at 8:25 a.m.
Spokane firefighters were dispatched to 1108 W Spofford Ave at 4:53 pm, for a report of a detached garage on fire that sent a smoke column into the sky visible throughout downtown. The first engine company arrived at 4:58 pm and reported heavy fire threatening three additional structures. Firefighters quickly deployed a hose line with extreme caution as the fire was already impinging on power lines which promptly came down, causing a spectacular show of arcing and popping.
Although the garage was completely destroyed, the quick application of water on the fire saved the three other structures from igniting, as they were absorbing a tremendous amount of heat. An investigator from the Special Investigations Unit arrived and quickly determined from witnesses on the scene that the fire is suspicious in nature, as witnesses described 2-3 individuals running from the scene shortly before the fire was discovered. A circular power saw belonging to the ladder truck on the scene was also stolen during this fire, which is a necessary tool that firefighters often utilize when forcing entry.
The fire investigator would like to speak to any witnesses of the events leading up to the fire, as well as any information related to the stolen power saw. The Special Investigations Unit can be reached at 509-625-7120.
Fire loss was determined to be $50,000 while the value saved was over $150,000. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
While firefighters were actively battling the Spofford Ave fire, a second fire came in just a few miles north of this location. Fortunately, even with a large hole in the coverage of firefighting resources, firefighters were able to quickly get on the scene and determine that an overheated belt was producing a fair amount of smoke. Damage was limited to the machine and firefighters utilized ventilation fans to remove the existing smoke from the residence.
Firefighters reported hearing smoke alarms activating when they made entry, which is always a good sound to hear in the midst of a dangerous situation. Fire loss will be around $1,000 while the value saved was determined to be $300,000. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
Both fires this afternoon prove how valuable it is for early detection, reporting, and response by the Spokane Fire Department in keeping fires confined to the area of origin and prevent extension into surrounding exposure buildings.
